Title: J&K CM to launch signature campaign for statehood; Oppn reacts
In a bold move aimed at reviving the demand for statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced plans to launch a door-to-door signature campaign across the state. Speaking on Independence Day, Abdullah stated that the government will take the message of statehood to every village of Jammu and Kashmir, thereby raising the voice of the people from the grassroot level to Delhi.
The move has, however, been met with criticism from opposition leaders, who have questioned the legitimacy and effectiveness of the signature campaign. According to them, such campaigns lack legal and constitutional sanctity and will not yield any tangible results.
Abdullah’s decision to launch the signature campaign is seen as an attempt to reignite the debate on statehood, which has been a contentious issue in the state for several years. The demand for statehood has been a long-standing one, with many residents of Jammu and Kashmir seeking greater autonomy and decision-making powers. However, the issue has been mired in controversy, with some arguing that the state’s unique status as a union territory is sufficient.
In his Independence Day speech, Abdullah emphasized that the signature campaign will be a peoples’ movement, aimed at highlighting the aspirations and demands of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that the campaign will be a democratic and peaceful exercise, and will not involve any kind of agitation or protest.
“Today, we are not just celebrating Independence Day, but we are also giving a call to action to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah said. “Till now, through letters and meetings, we’ve raised our voice. Now we’re going to raise our voice from every village of Jammu and Kashmir to Delhi.”
The opposition leaders, however, have been critical of Abdullah’s decision, arguing that the signature campaign is a desperate attempt to divert attention from the government’s failures. “Signature campaigns have no legal or constitutional sanctity,” said a senior opposition leader. “It’s a gimmick, a publicity stunt, and will not yield any results.”
Another opposition leader added that the campaign will only serve to further polarize the state, and will not address the real issues affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir are not looking for a signature campaign, they are looking for concrete actions and solutions to their problems,” the leader said.
The opposition leaders have also questioned the timing of the signature campaign, arguing that it is an attempt to capitalize on the Independence Day celebrations. “This is a desperate attempt to grab attention, and we will not be fooled by such gimmicks,” said another opposition leader.
Despite the criticism from the opposition, the Jammu and Kashmir government is confident that the signature campaign will be a success. The government has already begun mobilizing its resources and personnel to conduct the campaign, and is expected to start the exercise in the coming days.
The success of the signature campaign will depend on several factors, including the level of participation from the public and the ability of the government to effectively communicate its message to the people. If successful, the campaign could potentially reignite the debate on statehood and put pressure on the central government to reconsider its stance on the issue.
In conclusion, the announcement of a signature campaign by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has sparked a heated debate in the state. While the government is confident that the campaign will be a success, opposition leaders have been critical of the move, arguing that it lacks legal and constitutional sanctity. As the campaign gets underway, it remains to be seen whether it will yield any tangible results and whether it will ultimately help to revive the demand for statehood in Jammu and Kashmir.
