Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the restoration of statehood as the “biggest challenge” for his government on Thursday, saying it can empower him in decision-making, unlike the Union Territory (UT).
In a first freewheeling interaction with media persons at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, he replied to questions from journalists stretching over more than one and a half hours. Omar was also flanked by ministers of his cabinet and several bureaucrats.
Here are edited excerpts on some of the key issues.
About Joining BJP-led NDA
My government is not facing any pressure from the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Raj Bhawan, or any Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader. In my first meeting with PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, they told me that they honour the people's mandate and that no attempts will be made to destabilise or weaken my government. People have given us a five-year mandate, not less than that. We will give you support and respect for the mandate of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Some people who are dreaming that I am joining the NDA have nothing to do except for spreading rumours.
Omar’s Take on Statehood Restoration
The biggest challenge is regaining statehood, as many of our goals are tied to it. Day-to-day governance is also a challenge. Jammu and Kashmir operates on a deficit budget, spending more than we earn. We are more dependent on the government of India than any other state or UT. Delhi is a hybrid state with a peculiar government like ours, but they have a huge advantage, as they operate on a surplus budget. Unemployment is another major issue here. Tourism presents a huge opportunity for us, but it’s currently limited to a handful of areas. Expanding tourism to unexplored areas of Jammu could unlock significant potential and open job opportunities.
No security function operates in isolation. Even though not part of the elected government, security functions can’t operate in isolation. Elected governments play a crucial role, and our governance will significantly affect peaceful conditions in Jammu and Kashmir. These are all part of our challenges.
Dual Power System
The dual centres of power are not in anyone’s interest. If it were an effective model of governance, you would see it being adopted widely. Normally, there is a chain of command, but the ultimate authority often rests with one individual. This is one of the peculiarities of a union territory in which dual systems of power are built into the structure. This is a learning phase to understand the boundaries of our authority as well as that of Raj Bhawan.
Business Rules
The ongoing exercise aims to establish the business rules that will provide clear guidance in case any clarification is required. The draft is currently being shared with some legal experts for their input and suggestions. Subsequently, it will be sent to the lieutenant governor.
The List of Holidays
The list of holidays became an issue, and we would have liked the two holidays in an ideal world.
It is a matter of emotional significance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. I don’t believe either Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah (the founder of the National Conference) or the martyrs of July 1931 require one day to be remembered. Everything we do is a continuation of their sacrifices for us.