J&K CM to Launch Signature Campaign for Statehood; Oppn Reacts
In a bold move, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced that he will launch a door-to-door signature campaign to demand statehood for the region. The campaign, which is expected to cover every village in the state, is aimed at sending a strong message to the Centre and the people of India about the urgency of granting statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the nation on Independence Day, Omar 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 J&K to Delhi.” The Chief Minister’s decision to launch a signature campaign has been met with a mixed response, with the opposition parties criticizing the move, calling it a “theatrical exercise” that lacks legal and constitutional sanctity.
The demand for statehood in Jammu and Kashmir has been a long-standing issue, with the people of the region seeking greater autonomy and representation in the Indian government. The state has been under central rule for several years, and the people are frustrated with the lack of progress in resolving the issue.
Omar Abdullah, who has been a vocal advocate for statehood, believes that the signature campaign will help to galvanize public opinion and put pressure on the Centre to grant statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “We want to make it clear to the people and the Centre that we will not rest until we achieve our goal of statehood,” he said.
However, the opposition parties have criticized the Chief Minister’s decision, saying that it is a publicity stunt that lacks any real substance. “Signature campaigns have no legal or constitutional sanctity,” said a senior opposition leader. “What Omar Abdullah is trying to do is to mislead the people and create a false sense of urgency around the issue of statehood.”
The opposition parties also accused the Chief Minister of being insensitive to the sufferings of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have been affected by the ongoing political uncertainty. “Instead of launching a signature campaign, Omar Abdullah should focus on addressing the genuine grievances of the people, such as the lack of jobs, infrastructure, and healthcare,” said another opposition leader.
The signature campaign is set to begin soon, with teams of volunteers and party workers expected to fan out across the state to collect signatures from people. The campaign is expected to be a major exercise, with thousands of people expected to participate.
While the opposition parties have criticized the Chief Minister’s decision, there are some who believe that the signature campaign could be a powerful tool in pushing the Centre to grant statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have been demanding statehood for years, and it’s time that the Centre takes their demands seriously,” said a local resident.
The issue of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir is a complex one, with some arguing that granting statehood would be a betrayal of the principles of Indian democracy. Others believe that it would be a step towards greater autonomy and self-governance for the region.
Whatever the outcome, the signature campaign is set to be a major event, with the Chief Minister and the people of Jammu and Kashmir expected to come together to demand statehood. The campaign is a testament to the enduring passion and commitment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who are determined to fight for their rights and their future.
Source:
