Omar Abdullah's Independence Day Remark Sparks Political Debate (Img: X)
New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday made a significant statement regarding Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during his Independence Day address, saying that people there would have chosen to merge with Jammu and Kashmir if the region's special status and statehood had not been removed in 2019.
Addressing the gathering at the Independence Day function in Srinagar, Omar Abdullah said the situation in PoK had strengthened the belief of those who supported Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India in 1947.
He said he was saddened by reports of unrest in PoK, where people have been protesting for their rights and facing arrests and casualties.
Referring to the developments across the Line of Control (LoC), the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said, "I am pained to see the situation in PoK. I am sure that today the people of PoK would have risen for their reintegration into Jammu and Kashmir, if J&K's statehood and special status had not been scrapped in 2019."
He added that seats have been kept vacant in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly for representatives from the other side, hoping that they may be filled in the future.
Omar Abdullah also paid tribute to his grandfather and Jammu and Kashmir's first Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, recalling his role during the 1947 conflict when tribal raiders from Pakistan entered the region.
During his address, Omar Abdullah reiterated that restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and constitutional guarantees remains a key priority for his government.
"Our government is committed to struggle for the restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees, and to put Jammu and Kashmir on the path of development," he said.
The Chief Minister said his administration would continue working towards development and fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised Omar Abdullah's remarks, calling them inappropriate for an Independence Day speech. Jammu and Kashmir BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma accused the Chief Minister of using a national occasion for political statements.
"It is an irresponsible statement from the Chief Minister. He should have spoken about his government's performance and future plans instead of indulging in politics on this national day," Sharma said.
