Title: Pahalgam Has Not Stalled J&K Statehood Talks: CM Omar Abdullah
The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, has sent shockwaves across the state and the country. The attack, which took place on April 22, has left many questioning the security situation in the region. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has come out to address concerns about the statehood restoration talks. In a recent interview, Abdullah clarified that the Pahalgam attack has not stalled the conversation around J&K’s statehood restoration.
The issue of statehood restoration has been a contentious one in Jammu and Kashmir, with various factions and parties having different opinions on the matter. The PDP-BJP government, which has been in power since 2015, has been pushing for the restoration of statehood to J&K. However, the talks have been stalled due to various reasons, including the opposition from some parties and the ongoing unrest in the state.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Omar Abdullah reiterated that the Pahalgam attack has not stalled the statehood restoration talks. “The attack in Pahalgam has not stalled the conversation. We have been raising this issue at every available platform, including the recent NITI Aayog meeting,” he said.
Abdullah’s statement is significant, as it suggests that the state government is committed to pursuing the statehood restoration talks despite the challenges posed by the Pahalgam attack. The attack, which left many injured and killed several civilians, has raised concerns about the security situation in the state. However, Abdullah’s statement indicates that the government is not willing to let the attack derail the statehood restoration process.
Interestingly, Abdullah also clarified that he was unwilling to use the J&K assembly’s special session to discuss statehood restoration. “I was unwilling to use the special session to discuss statehood. But that does not mean the conversation has stopped,” he said. This statement suggests that Abdullah is willing to engage in dialogue and discussion on the issue, but he is not willing to compromise on the process.
The statehood restoration talks have been ongoing since 2015, when the PDP and BJP formed a coalition government in J&K. The talks have been stalled due to various reasons, including the opposition from some parties and the ongoing unrest in the state. However, Abdullah’s statement suggests that the government is committed to pursuing the talks, despite the challenges.
The Pahalgam attack has raised concerns about the security situation in J&K, and it is essential for the government to address these concerns. The attack has also highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issues facing the state. The government needs to engage with all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society, and the people, to address the issues facing the state.
In conclusion, Omar Abdullah’s statement is a significant development in the statehood restoration talks. The Pahalgam attack has not stalled the conversation, and the government is committed to pursuing the talks. However, it is essential for the government to address the concerns raised by the attack and engage with all stakeholders to find a solution to the issues facing the state.
