J&K CM to Launch Signature Campaign for Statehood; Oppn Reacts
In a bid to reiterate his demand for statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently announced that he will be launching a door-to-door signature campaign across the state. The move, aimed at gathering public support and pressure the central government to restore the state’s autonomy, has, however, been met with criticism from the opposition parties.
In his Independence Day speech, Omar Abdullah reiterated the demand for statehood, saying, “Till now, through letters…and meetings, we’ve raised our voice. Now we’re going to raise our voice from every village of J&K to Delhi.” The signature campaign, he emphasized, was a means to mobilize the people of Jammu and Kashmir and send a strong message to the central government to reconsider its decision to revoke the state’s special status under Article 370.
However, the opposition parties have been quick to dismiss the move, terming it as a publicity stunt. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the main opposition party in the state, has accused Omar Abdullah of trying to divert attention from the real issues affecting the state. “Signature campaigns have no legal or constitutional sanctity,” said BJP leader and former Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad. “What we need is concrete action on the ground, not just empty gestures.”
The National Conference (NC), the ruling party in the state, has also faced criticism from some quarters for its decision to launch the signature campaign. While some have hailed the move as a bold step to assert the state’s rights, others have questioned its effectiveness in achieving the desired outcome.
“Statehood is a fundamental right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and we will continue to fight for it,” said Omar Abdullah in an interview. “The signature campaign is a way to engage with the people, to listen to their concerns, and to build a strong movement for statehood.”
The demand for statehood has been a contentious issue in Jammu and Kashmir for several years now. The state’s special status under Article 370 was revoked by the central government in August 2019, leading to widespread protests and unrest across the state. While the move was aimed at integrating the state with the rest of the country, many residents of Jammu and Kashmir have argued that it has led to a loss of autonomy and a decline in the state’s economic and cultural identity.
The signature campaign is likely to be a challenging task for the Omar Abdullah government. The state is currently under a strict lockdown, with security forces deployed across the Valley to maintain order. The government has also been criticized for its handling of the situation, with many accusing it of failing to address the economic and social concerns of the people.
Despite the challenges, Omar Abdullah remains optimistic about the success of the signature campaign. “We are confident that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will stand with us in this fight for statehood,” he said. “We will not be deterred by the challenges ahead, and we will continue to work tirelessly to achieve our goal.”
The response to the signature campaign will be closely watched by political observers and analysts. While the move has garnered significant attention, its effectiveness in achieving the desired outcome remains to be seen. Will the signature campaign be a successful means to mobilize public support and pressure the central government to reconsider its decision on statehood, or will it be dismissed as a publicity stunt? Only time will tell.
