• Says fresh resolution only seeks restoration of statehood
• Urges BJP to debate resolution in House
Srinagar|Sept, 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the demand for restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir was not an anti-national act and challenged the BJP to identify even a single “anti-national” word in the resolution he moved in the Legislative Assembly.
Speaking to reporters after proceedings in the House were disrupted over the resolution, Omar said the measure was specifically aimed at seeking restoration of full statehood and was separate from the earlier resolutions passed by the Assembly on autonomy and other issues.
“Show me a single anti-national word used in the resolution,” Omar said.
He said if the BJP wanted to alter or dilute the resolutions already passed by the House, it could bring a separate resolution and seek the support of the members.
“If the BJP wants to dilute the already passed resolutions, let them bring a resolution. Who am I to oppose them if they have the votes? This is what democracy is,” he said.
Omar criticised the BJP for disrupting the proceedings instead of participating in a debate on the statehood resolution. He said the conduct of the members had prevented a proper discussion on the issue.
He urged the BJP and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma to participate in the debate rather than abstaining, walking out or creating a ruckus.
“Let them come and debate in the House. Neither should they abstain nor walk out or create a ruckus. If they want statehood, let them agree, and if not, then disagree,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the resolution moved by him was limited to urging the Government of India to immediately restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
“Today, it was only about statehood, and they were not ready even for that,” Omar said.
On Congress extending support to the resolution, Omar said there was nothing unconstitutional in the move and that the measure was intended to convey the voice of Jammu and Kashmir to the Centre.
He said the reference to earlier resolutions did not mean that the fresh resolution sought to replace or subsume them.
Omar also rejected the suggestion that the demand for statehood was linked to his government or his family, saying the issue concerned the entire Union Territory.
“Statehood is not about the government, nor about my family, but about the entire Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government was also ready to discuss questions raised by the BJP about its performance and the challenges it had faced since taking office.
“We are ready. Let them discuss it on the next Assembly day. We will detail what challenges we faced, how we faced them, and then we will be hopeful that the House will vote on the resolution and it will be sent to the Centre,” he said.
Omar’s remarks came after the Assembly witnessed repeated disruptions following his introduction of the statehood resolution, with BJP members objecting particularly to the reference to the 2000 autonomy resolution.
