Jammu, March 3: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated on Monday that the Central government has not rejected the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s resolution concerning special status, which was passed during its first session last year. He emphasized that there is no need for a new resolution regarding Article 370, which was abrogated in August 2019.
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Abdullah urged all legislators to collaborate in advancing the government’s public welfare initiatives. He mentioned, “What needed to be done was accomplished in the first assembly session in November 2024. The resolution remains valid after being passed by the House. Our allies, the PDP and others, played a crucial role in its passage, which is a significant achievement.” This statement came in response to speculation that some assembly members planned to propose a new resolution condemning the abrogation of Article 370.
The 40-day Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, which includes 22 sittings, commenced on Monday with an address from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Abdullah remarked that some individuals assumed any resolution regarding special status would be outright rejected by the Central government. “The resolution has not been rejected, and its continuing validity indicates no further discussions are necessary,” he said.
On November 6, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passed a resolution urging the Central government to establish a constitutional arrangement to restore the special status of the former state. Abdullah affirmed that the National Conference would not repeat past actions. “We won’t revisit what we’ve already achieved. The resolution was passed by a majority, leaving little to discuss,” he added.
The Chief Minister also noted that the Assembly would convene on Tuesday to deliberate on the Lieutenant Governor’s address, allowing members to raise pertinent issues. “Discussions should occur within the House, not outside of it,” he stated when asked about the protests led by independent MLA Khursheed Ahmed, who is seeking justice for families of individuals killed in Sopore and Kathua, along with the restoration of Article 370 and statehood.
Abdullah assured that the government would address any issues raised by members within the House. “The Lieutenant Governor’s address represented the government’s priorities. Cooperation among members is essential to achieve our goals collectively,” he emphasized. He also dismissed the possibility of an alliance with the BJP, citing fundamental ideological differences. “Our approaches towards Jammu and Kashmir are worlds apart,” he concluded. (Agencies)
