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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah (Img: File)
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday advised political leaders in Ladakh and Kargil to seek formal written commitments from the Centre instead of depending only on verbal assurances.
Speaking to reporters in Pulwama, Abdullah said Ladakh has its own distinct concerns and challenges, separate from those of Jammu and Kashmir. However, he shared his experience of dealing with the Centre and suggested that any commitments made during negotiations should be documented and signed.
“As a friend and elder brother, I would advise the leaders of Ladakh that they should not trust any promise made by the Central Government until it is given to them in writing and signed,” Abdullah said.
Abdullah referred to Jammu and Kashmir’s long-standing demand for restoration of statehood and said his advice to Ladakh leaders came from his own experience.
He said the Centre had earlier given assurances that statehood would be restored after the Assembly elections, but claimed that the commitment has not materialised even after nearly two years.
“We were also victims of a verbal promise. We were told that statehood would be restored immediately after the elections. Nearly two years have passed, and that promise is nowhere to be seen,” he said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister suggested that leaders from Ladakh and Kargil should seek written guarantees, including legally documented assurances, before accepting commitments made during discussions with the Centre.
His remarks come at a time when sections of Ladakh’s political leadership have been demanding greater constitutional safeguards, stronger political representation and other protections for the region.
While advising Ladakh leaders, Abdullah maintained that the concerns of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir should not be treated as identical.
He said Ladakh has its own set of demands and challenges, but stressed that any agreement reached with the Centre should be formally recorded to avoid uncertainty in the future.
After Ladakh was separated from Jammu and Kashmir and made a Union Territory in 2019, several groups in the region have raised demands related to constitutional safeguards, protection of land and jobs, increased political representation and greater autonomy.
Political groups in Ladakh and Kargil have continued to push for discussions with the Centre on these issues.
Abdullah’s remarks add a new dimension to the ongoing debate, with the Chief Minister urging Ladakh leaders to ensure that future commitments are backed by written documentation.
