Cabinet’s Statehood Resolution Sparks Political Outrage in J&K

PTK NEWS DESK

Srinagar, Oct 18: The government of Jammu and Kashmir, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, faced severe criticism today after the Cabinet passed a resolution for the restoration of statehood while omitting any reference to Articles 370 and 35A. Various political leaders expressed disappointment, accusing the administration of betraying the aspirations of the people.

People’s Democratic Party youth leader Waheed Ur Rehman Parra voiced his dismay, stating that Omar Abdullah had promised the first resolution would condemn the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. He called the Cabinet’s decision a “U-turn” and an attempt to normalize the August 5, 2019, decision that stripped J&K of its special status.

Sajad Gani Lone, leader of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference, also condemned the move, emphasizing that significant decisions like statehood should be debated in the Assembly, not passed through a Cabinet resolution. He expressed concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding the decision.

Awami Ittehad Party chief Abdul Rashid Sheikh, commonly known as Engineer Rashid, criticized the National Conference for what he termed a “departure” from its core stance. He accused Omar Abdullah of aligning with the BJP and ignoring the key demands of the people, including the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A.

The passing of the statehood resolution without addressing J&K’s special status continues to deepen political divides in the region, with opposition leaders calling it a betrayal of the promises made to the electorate.