Srinagar, September 28: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday called for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the demand was rooted in the rights and constitutional status of the people rather than a request for any concession.
Addressing the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly during the debate on the resolution seeking restoration of statehood, Omar Abdullah said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were not seeking favours but wanted the restoration of their democratic and constitutional rights.
“We are not begging. We have been humiliated,” the Chief Minister said while making his remarks during the discussion in the House.
Omar Abdullah said the restoration of statehood was necessary to bring back the institutional powers and constitutional position that Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed when it functioned as a full-fledged state.
He maintained that an elected government should have the powers, authority and responsibilities associated with a state government, while stressing that the issue of statehood had a direct bearing on the functioning of democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister urged legislators to support the resolution seeking restoration of full statehood, describing it as an important issue concerning the political and administrative status of Jammu and Kashmir.
The debate, however, witnessed sharp exchanges between members of the treasury and opposition benches, with legislators expressing divergent views over the wording, references and timing of the resolution.
BJP members also raised objections during the proceedings, leading to protests and disruptions inside the Assembly as the discussion continued.
The resolution seeking restoration of full statehood has emerged as a major issue during the ongoing Assembly session, with members putting forward differing positions on the administrative and constitutional future of Jammu and Kashmir.
The proceedings continued amid heated arguments and protests in the House as legislators debated the statehood demand and its implications for the functioning of the elected government. (KNC)
