Resolution on Special Status Alive; Release of Political Prisoners Linked to Statehood Restoration: Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Nov 22: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asserted on Friday that the resolution on the region’s special status, recently passed in the Legislative Assembly, remains active and has not been rejected. He emphasized that the matter would be pursued further after the restoration of statehood.

Speaking to reporters at Polo View, Srinagar, Omar Abdullah stated, “The resolution was passed with the majority, including support from Congress members. It is still alive and the door remains open. Once statehood is restored, we will take this issue forward.”

On the release of political prisoners, the Chief Minister explained that law and order remain under the purview of the central government. “Despite these constraints, we have eased the verification process, which had been weaponized. More progress is on the way,” he said, adding that their release would be addressed post-statehood restoration.

Responding to critics who downplayed the significance of the special status resolution, Abdullah pointed out, “If the resolution had no substance, why did Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah speak about it repeatedly?”

In a cabinet meeting earlier in the day, an important decision was taken to form a three-member cabinet sub-committee. The committee will conduct a comprehensive review in light of Supreme Court directives and submit its report on rationalizing the reservation policy.

Addressing concerns about alleged civilian torture in Kishtwar, Abdullah called for a thorough investigation by the army. “I have seen tragic deaths during torture in the past. Thankfully, no one has died here. If any misconduct by soldiers is proven, those responsible must be court-martialed and punished appropriately,” he urged.

Regarding winter power outages, the Chief Minister assured that the power department has been instructed to minimize curtailments in areas with low theft rates. “I am hopeful we will witness an improved power scenario in Kashmir this winter,” he concluded.