Chidambaram labels IIOJK as ‘half state’, questions CM authority
New Delhi: Congress leader P Chidambaram has expressed concern over the absence of Omar Abdullah, the new Chief Minister of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, at a recent so-called security review meeting convened by New Delhi-appointed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a post on X, Chidambaram highlighted the implications of this absence, questioning the authority and role of the Chief Minister in overseeing security matters in IIOJK.
Chidambaram remarked, “The photograph of the LG of Jammu & Kashmir presiding over a meeting to review the law and order situation in J&K is telling. The elected chief minister is not present. Whether he was invited or not, I do not know.” His comments reflect a widespread perception that local elected officials are being marginalized in governance.
Labeling IIOJK as “half a state,” Chidambaram pointed out that under current laws, police and public order are subjects reserved for the Lieutenant Governor. He asserted, “The people have elected a chief minister and government to look after their security, among other things, but the chief minister has no authority. This is why J&K is described as half a state.”
Chidambaram has called for the immediate restoration of full statehood to occupied Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that a fully empowered IIOJK government is essential for effective governance.
