Omar Abdullah reiterates call for immediate restoration of IOJK statehood
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reiterated his demand for the immediate restoration of statehood to Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK), asserting that the territory should no longer function as a Union Territory.
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking during an interaction with tour operators in Kolkata, Omar Abdullah stressed that the people of IOJK have waited far too long for the return of their democratic rights and administrative autonomy.“We don’t want to remain as a Union Territory. We want the responsibility of security to be ours,” he said.
Omar Abdullah also revealed that he had discussed the prevailing political situation in IOJK with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a recent meeting. He said Banerjee had publicly supported the demand for the restoration of powers to the elected government in the territory.
“Unfortunately, we are presently a UT. The BJP and the Government of India have promised to restore statehood. We don’t want any further delay in this important process. Statehood should be restored at the earliest, and the responsibility of security should be given to the elected government. We will take care of it,” he asserted.
