JAMMU, Jan 23: On Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the significance of land and its inhabitants in shaping their identity, urging them to never allow it to be taken away. He stressed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir, a region long marked by unrest, must protect their land at all costs.
“When we discuss topics like the Constitution, special status, and the prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir, we are also discussing our identity, which is intrinsically linked to our land,” Abdullah stated during an event in the Bari Brahmana area of the Samba district.
“We want this land to remain ours—a land given to us by Sheikh Abdullah, who transferred it to you with just a signature, without any compensation… Without this land, what do we truly possess?” he questioned.
“It must be preserved, and this should be our collective endeavor,” he added.
Abdullah also paid homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for his pivotal role in drafting a Constitution that upholds equality for all.
“No matter how much is said about Ambedkar, it will always be insufficient. The bedrock of any nation lies in its Constitution, and Ambedkar provided this nation with that foundation. Our current standing is a testament to his contributions,” he remarked.
Drawing attention to the West, he noted that discrimination based on skin color persists in some countries, while India abolished such differences post-Independence, recognizing men and women as equals.
“Today, we celebrate a day that Ambedkar envisioned—one where, regardless of color, caste, or background, every vote is equal and free from discrimination, transcending caste and creed,” he commented.
However, Abdullah expressed concerns over the failure of subsequent generations to uphold constitutional values, stating that this neglect has led to conflicts, particularly harming marginalized communities.
“If we analyze the largest legislative bodies in India today, how many are men, and how many are women? The same disparity can be seen in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly — the contrast is striking,” he pointed out.
