LG Sinha; Will Respond After Reading Statement in Full, Says CM Omar – Alfaaz – The Words

Alfaaz – The Words Desk

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that there should be no confusion regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the Union Home Minister has already outlined the sequence of events starting with delimitation, followed by assembly elections, and then statehood at an appropriate time.

Speaking at a public event at SKICC Srinagar, the LG said some individuals were attempting to mislead people on the issue despite the Centre’s clear position. “Some people are trying to mislead the public. The Union Territory government already has sufficient powers that must be used for public welfare instead of creating confusion,” Sinha said.

Marking October 31 as a day of transformation for Jammu and Kashmir, the LG said the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 ended decades of fear, separatism, and discrimination, ushering in an era of peace, development, and democracy. “Six years ago, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, history was made when, for the first time, the laws enacted by the Indian Parliament became applicable in J&K,” he said. “Those who once sought to divide the region stand exposed before the people.”

He said that with the abrogation of Article 370, “the artificial walls that denied our sisters their rights, collapsed.” “J&K Police and security forces have broken the backbone of terrorism. Stone pelting has become history, and people are now actively participating in the democratic process, and the new generation has chosen peace and progress over violence.”

Meanwhile, Chief Minister and National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah chose not to respond immediately to the LG’s remarks, saying he would first read the full statement before commenting. “First, I would like to see the words he has used, because if there is a difference in what he has stated and what you are saying, it will not be right to react based on partial information,” Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar.

However, the junior Abdullah said that if the LG’s remarks were as reported, he would respond at an appropriate time.

The chief minister made the remarks while attending the inaugural ceremony of the Kashmir Marathon Expo, where he lauded the organisers for showcasing J&K’s handicrafts and tourism potential. “It’s good that alongside the marathon, such expos promote local art and tourism, giving participants from across the country a glimpse of our cultural richness,” he said. (with inputs from agencies)