3 weeks ago

Omar Abdullah laments lost political capital over J-K statehood delay

Omar Abdullah laments lost political capital over J-K statehood delay
‘Pay the price for sins not mine’: Omar Abdullah says he lost ‘political capital’ over Centre’s delay in J-K statehood · telegraphindia.com

In India, there is a region called Jammu and Kashmir.

A leader named Omar Abdullah is in charge of its local government.

India's central government promised that this region would become a full state again, meaning its government could make more of its own decisions.

But that promise has not been kept yet.

Mr. Abdullah says many people are disappointed and are blaming him, even though he says the delay is not his fault.

He feels like a runner in a long race whose finish line keeps being moved further away.

Some government officials say the region must wait for statehood until all violence there stops.

Mr. Abdullah says that is unfair because he does not control the security forces.

He wants the central government to say exactly when it will keep its promise.

Until then, he says, he will keep asking for statehood.

Key facts

Chief Minister
Omar Abdullah of Jammu and Kashmir
Region
Jammu and Kashmir, Union territory of India
Context
Delay in promised restoration of statehood
Interview
With journalist Karan Thapar for The Wire
PM's pledge
PM Narendra Modi called statehood restoration a 'Modi Ka Wada'
Abdullah on Article 370
Statehood must come before Article 370 can be restored
Governance framework
Union territory with Assembly; key institutions under lieutenant governor's authority
Report date
August 8, PTI, New Delhi

Quotes

Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir

“There is no worse form of government than a Union territory with an Assembly. Please, by all means, have Union territories, but don't give them assemblies.”
telegraphindia.com
“It's like running a marathon. Instead of completing it in 42 km, every time you reach near the finishing line, they keep shifting it.”
telegraphindia.com

Sources

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