Will Collect Signatures Across J&K for Statehood Restoration: Omar Abdullah
The announcement came during his Independence Day address in Srinagar. Omar Abdullah stated that the campaign would run for the next eight weeks, during which he and his party members would collect signatures and thumb impressions from the public in support of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
“The Supreme Court has given eight weeks. We will use this time to go to every constituency. We will not leave any household or individual without reaching out to them,” Omar said. The initiative will also include collecting thumb impressions of those unable to sign.
He referred to the period since August 2019, when the region lost its separate constitution, flag, and status as a state. “It has been over six years since I last spoke on this day in my capacity as Chief Minister of a state. That state had its own identity, its own constitution, and its own flag. Today, we are without all of that,” Omar said during the address.
While mentioning the return of an elected government, he noted that democratic processes had resumed, but the core demand for statehood remains unmet. “We waited for a statement on August 15 regarding the restoration of statehood. There were talks and speculation that something might be announced. I was told that the documents were ready. But no announcement came,” he said.
Omar said that the statehood demand was not limited to political parties but belonged to the people. He urged the public to join the campaign by giving their signatures or thumb impressions, expressing hope that the collected support would serve as a message to decision-makers.
The campaign is set to begin and will continue until the eight-week window ends. The Chief Minister said this was a critical time to demonstrate public support for the public.(KNS)
