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Statehood is our right, says J&K CM Omar Abdullah; rules out 'hybrid system'
Public Lokpal
July 20, 2025
Statehood is our right, says J&K CM Omar Abdullah; rules out 'hybrid system'
Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday made a forceful plea for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir without further delay, and indicated that all avenues, including legal options, were being explored by the ruling National Conference in this regard.
Nearly ten months after the National Conference swept to power in the Union territory, Abdullah asserted that statehood was a fundamental right of the people.
"The Centre had promised it in Parliament and before the Supreme Court," he said.
Abdullah dismissed talk of a "hybrid system" of government under which law and order would continue to be with the Centre even after statehood is restored and said such talk was emanating from those who had cast doubts about the holding of last year's Assembly elections in which over 64 per cent of voters participated.
Abdullah, who maintains a "cordial" relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, refrained from disclosing specifics of their private discussions on the matter, affirming only that the issue of statehood has been raised "multiple times at multiple levels".
He defended his pragmatic approach to engaging with the central government, emphasising that public appreciation for cooperation does not preclude him from speaking out when warranted.
Those remain in terms of whatever the National Conference has with regard to the BJP's policies or vice versa. But then there are government-to-government relations.
Abdullah drew a contrast with past political dynamics, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) alliance with the BJP under Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti.
To a question whether his party was planning to move the Supreme Court for statehood, the chief minister said, "We are looking at various options. There have been a few conversations both within the party as well as with some experts to see what we should do." The chief minister dismissed any suggestions of a "hybrid system" where law and order would remain with the Union government even after statehood is restored.
He argued that this expansion of militancy occurred while J-K was a Union territory, under central control, not an elected government.
He underscored the inherent flaws of the Union territory model, questioning why such a system, if "ideal," is confined to only a few small areas.
"If this is the best form of governance... Please do it in UP. Do it in Maharashtra. Do it in Chhattisgarh. Do it in all the Northeast states. Do it in Madhya Pradesh," he challenged.
Abdullah pointed out that while J-K's area has shrunk since 2019, its population remains largely the same, making the current model of governance unsuitable for its scale and needs. "This model of governance does not work," he said.
He further criticised the current dual power structure, describing it as "not an ideal form of government".
While acknowledging that a complete "disaster" has been averted so far, he pointed out the inherent inefficiencies and lack of accountability when there isn't a single chain of command, but expressed the hope for a swift resolution to the ongoing conversations with the Union government regarding these operational challenges and the pending business rules.
PTI
