Omar Abdullah

Omar Abdullah vows to keep J-K governance free from political affiliations

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reiterated his government's commitment to "unbiased governance", emphasising that the decisions would not be influenced by political affiliations or party lines. He urged officers to address public issues brought forth by elected representatives with seriousness and urgency. Chairing a district review meeting in Samba, the chief minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar and Satish Sharma. The meeting was also attended by District Development Council (DDC) chairperson Samba, Members of Legislative Assembly S S Slathia (Samba), Chander Prakash Ganga (Vijaypur) and Devinder Kumar Manyal (Ramgarh) all from BJP. Besides, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, administrative secretaries, departmental heads and other senior officers also attended the meeting. Highlighting the importance of ...

Omar Abdullah tells Congress to stop whining about EVMs, accept results

Opening another point of friction with an important ally, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has dismissed the Congress party's vehement objection to Electronic Voting Machines, and echoed the BJP's defence -- you can't accept election results when you win, and blame EVMs when you lose. "When you get a hundred plus members of Parliament using the same EVMs, and you celebrate that as sort of a victory for your party, you can't then a few months later turn around and say... we don't like these EVMs because now the election results aren't going the way we would like them to," Abdullah told PTI in an exclusive interview on Friday. Told that he sounded suspiciously like a BJP spokesman, Abdullah reacted with God forbid! He then added: "No, it's just that... what's right is right." He said he speaks based on principles rather than with partisan loyalty and cited his support for infrastructure projects like the Central Vista as an example of his independent thinking. "Contrary

Dynasty politics not lifelong ticket to success: Omar's advice to sons

Pooh-poohing the BJP's criticism of dynasty politics, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that political lineage is not a lifelong ticket to success and questioned why the ruling party doesn't raise the issue with its allied parties which can also be accused of perpetuating dynasties. Abdullah was responding to a question during an exclusive interview on Friday with PTI whether his family's fourth generation will go into politics, and if that would expose him to fresh criticism of perpetuating dynastic politics the way the Congress party and other opposition parties have been. Abdullah's two lawyer sons have recently made forceful political commentaries, especially on the issue of the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution that took away Kashmir's special status, an emotive issue among Kashmiris. They also campaigned extensively with their father during the September Assembly elections. "Whatever space they choose to carve out, they will have to make for .

Congress must earn its place as INDIA bloc leader: J&K CM Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has bluntly termed the dual governance model in the Union Territory -- where he shares power with the lieutenant governor -- a "recipe for disaster, as he urged the Centre to keep its promise and restore statehood to the region at the earliest. In his first sit-down interview since assuming office in October, Abdullah expressed cautious optimism over the Centre's commitment to restoring J-K's statehood, citing repeated promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah during election campaigns. The chief minister's candid remarks underscore the complex political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, and the difficulties in pushing for a more defined and unified administrative leadership by virtue of getting statehood. Abdullah drew parallels with corporate leadership, challenging anyone to name a successful business with multiple leaders. "Let me just say this, having two power centres anywhere is a recipe for ...

J-K CM Omar Abdullah reaffirms support for revival of industrial sector

Acknowledging the persistent challenges faced by the industrial sector in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reaffirmed his government's commitment to supporting local industries in overcoming these difficulties. Abdullah also highlighted the positive impact of the now-defunct 'Darbar Move' on Jammu's vibrancy, assuring people that the government will resume the practice in the future. Darbar Move is the bi-annual practice of shifting the seat of power between Jammu and Srinagar during winters and summers, respectively. Speaking at an event organised by the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) here, where he was felicitated for assuming office as chief minister, Abdullah underscored his administration's dedication to reviving the industrial sector. "There is no shortage of issues. If I were to claim that these problems have only emerged in the past decade, it would be misleading. These challenges are not new, nor are they solely the result of Jammu a

Hurriyat urges Omar govt to reinstate employees fired over terror links

Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Saturday asked the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir to take measures to stop the "injustice" of dismissing employees over alleged terror links and reinstate all those who have been terminated so far. His remark came a day after two government employees were dismissed from service by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for alleged terror links. "Two more government employees terminated by the stroke of a pen without any legal recourse! Families rendered destitute before the onset of harsh winters. Punishment and fear is the hallmark of an authoritarian mindset that has been ruling us here," Farooq said in a post on X. He also called upon the elected government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the Union territory to reinstate all the employees who have been terminated "in an unjust manner". "The elected administration should take immediate measures to stop this injustice and reinstate all the terminated in this unjust ..

Need to create new assets within and outside J&K for future: Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday called for the creation of new assets at strategic locations within and outside the Union territory to meet future needs and generate additional revenue. Abdullah, while reviewing the functioning of the Hospitality and Protocol Department, asked officials to ensure optimal utilisation, upgradation, and renovation of departmental assets both within and outside Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary Rashmi Singh made a detailed presentation on the department's assets, including those located outside Jammu & Kashmir, such as properties in Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Mumbai, an official spokesman said. The chief minister reviewed the functioning and status of prominent properties, including those in Chanakyapuri, 5-Prithvi Raj Road, and Rajaji Marg in Delhi, emphasising the need to fully utilise these assets and upgrade facilities to enhance their utility. Abdullah also directed focused efforts on ...

Omar Abdullah criticises Indus Treaty, calls it unfair to the people of J&K

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah says hydropower potential of the region thwarted by the 1960 Indus Water Treaty. Peoples Conference's Sajad Lone slams Abdullah's remarks as 'right-wing rhetoric'

Omar Abdullah has asked law and order machinery to be alert: J-K speaker

Rather emphasised the need for heightened vigilance following a series of terror attacks in the Union Territory

J&K CM Abdullah calls for sustainable, high value tourism policy in state

Recognising the role of tourism as the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's economy, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday called for a more sustainable and visitor-focused approach in the UTs tourism sector. He highlighted the importance of shifting tourism efforts from high volume to high value, emphasising quality over quantity. Abdullah was speaking at a high-level meeting which was convened to review the functioning of the Tourism Department at civil secretariat here, an official spokesperson said. Asking the department to chart the way forward for a more sustainable and visitor-focused approach, the chief minister highlighted the potential of tourism to create substantial employment opportunities for youth. There is a need to treat tourism as a structured, long-term endeavour, rather than an ad-hoc activity, by adopting a tourist-centric perspective. We need to enhance the tourist experience, so visitors are more likely to revisit and recommend J&K as a destination, he said. The

Omar Abdullah says situation in J-K cannot be normalised in a vacuum

The J-K CM stated that his government's agenda will be decided by the people of J-K. He emphasised that the situation in the union territory cannot be normalised in a vacuum and that the government

L-G Sinha, CM condemn killings of 2 VDGs by terrorists in J&K's Kishtwar

Two Village Defence Guards were on Thursday executed by terrorists after their abduction in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, officials said. A massive joint search operation has been launched by police and the Army in a dense forest area following the gruesome killings, which were condemned by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and leaders of the National Conference, People's Democratic Party, Congress and the BJP. The officials said Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, both residents of Ohli-Kuntwara, had gone to graze their cattle in the Munzla Dhar forest of the Adhwari area in the morning but did not return. They said police parties fanned out to find them amid reports that they had been abducted and killed by terrorists. "We have received information that my brother and Ahmad were abducted and killed by terrorists. They were Village Defence Guards (VDGs) and had gone to graze cattle, as usual," Kumar's brother Prithvi told PTI.

BJP slams Cong on J&K Assembly resolution for restoration of special status

The BJP on Thursday came down heavily on the Congress over the passage of a resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly seeking restoration of special status, and asked the party leadership if it stands for terrorism. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, senior party leader Smriti Irani also asked if the Congress-led "INDI alliance" stands against the "economic and constitutional interests" of Jammu and Kashmir as well the rights that the tribals, Dalits, OBCs, women and children received after revocation of Article 370. "What they seek is special status for themselves, not the people of Jammu and Kashmir," she said. The BJP is up in arms against the Omar Abdullah government after the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday passed the resolution asking the Centre to hold dialogue with elected representatives for restoration of special status of the erstwhile state. The Congress is not part of the Jammu and Kashmir government despite fighting the polls in ...

BJP holds protest against special status resolution passed by J&K Assembly

The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit staged a protest here to denounce the resolution on the restoration of J-K's special status, which was passed by the assembly on Wednesday. The resolution has sought a dialogue between the Centre and elected representatives for the restoration of the special status of the erstwhile state. Led by party president Sat Paul Sharma, a group of BJP workers came out of the party headquarters at Trikuta Nagar in the outskirts of the city this afternoon and set ablaze a joint effigy of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his deputy Surinder Choudhary amid slogans against the National Conference-led government. J-K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary moved the resolution for restoring the erstwhile state's special status, which was revoked by the Centre on August 5, 2019. The resolution was passed without any debate as the Speaker put it to voice vote amidst noisy scenes by opposition BJP members. Article 370 has become part of history and the National ...

J&K parties hail resolution for restoring special status in Assembly

Political parties in the Kashmir valley on Wednesday welcomed the resolution passed in the assembly seeking a dialogue between the Centre and elected representatives for the restoration of special status of the erstwhile state. "This resolution is historic and I congratulate the members of the House," CPI(M)'s MLA from Kulgam, M Y Tarigami said. He said it has been "our commitment that we will restore what has taken from us on August 5, 2019". "Today, the House fulfilled its promise by passing the resolution and demanded that the Government of India take forward the process of restoration of Article 370 by starting the dialogue process immediately," he added. The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution asking the Centre to hold dialogue with elected representatives for restoration of special status of the erstwhile state. PDP's youth leader and MLA Pulwama, Waheed Para also welcomed the resolution. "It is a welcome move. We welcome it wholeheartedly. This has

Assembly has done its job after passing special status resolution: Omar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the Assembly has done its job after it passed a resolution seeking a dialogue between the Centre and elected representatives for the restoration of the special status of the erstwhile state. The resolution, which also expressed "concern" over the "unilateral removal" of the special status, was passed without any debate as the Speaker put it to voice vote amidst noisy scenes. "The assembly has done its job. I will only say this much," a beaming Abdullah told reporters outside the assembly complex. NC MLA and J-K's deputy chief minister Surinder Choudhary moved the resolution for restoring the special status of J-K, which was revoked by the Centre on August 5, 2019. "That this legislative assembly reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses concern over their unilateral removal," the ..

J&K Assembly passes resolution seeking restoration of special status

Amidst uproar, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution asking the Centre to hold talks with elected representatives for restoration of the special status of the erstwhile state. As soon as the assembly proceedings began, J-K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary moved the resolution for restoring the special status of J-K, which was revoked by the Centre on August 5, 2019. "That this legislative assembly reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses concern over their unilateral removal, the resolution moved by Choudhary said. This Assembly emphasises that any process for restoration must safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the resolution added. BJP members, including the Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, opposed the resolution, saying it was not part of the list

Day 1 of J&K Assembly: Chaos reigns as PDP pushes to restore Article 370

Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah contended that the resolution was introduced merely for show and lacked genuine intent

J&K LG Manoj Sinha slams CM Omar Abdullah for boycotting UT Foundation Day

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha slammed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other National Conference (NC) leaders for not attending the sixth Union Territory (UT) Foundation Day celebrations on Thursday.In his statement, Sinha underlined the significance of observing UT Day, noting that Jammu and Kashmir's current status as a Union Territory is a reality."Home Minister had said in Parliament that delimitation would happen first, then elections, and statehood at an appropriate time. Those who took an oath on the Constitution while J & K is a UT, stayed away today. This is a duplicity of character. The reality is this is a UT; the day JK is made a state, we will also celebrate that," Sinha said.National Conference leaders have been vocal in their opposition to UT Day, calling for a return to full statehood. NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq earlier stated that the NC would not observe UT Day because the party does not recognize Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory, claiming that

Engineer Rashid questions J&K CM Abdullah about meetings with PM Modi, Shah

Lok Sabha MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid on Sunday asked Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah if restoration of Article 370 and the release of political prisoners were discussed during his meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Awami Ittehad Party chief Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, had defeated Abdullah in Baramulla in the Lok Sabha elections. "What did Omar Abdullah discuss with key national leaders, including the prime minister, defence minister, and the home minister?" Rashid told reporters. The chief minister should clarify whether issues such as the restoration of Article 370 and the release of political prisoners were part of those discussions, he said. "If these issues were discussed, what responses did he receive?" he asked. Abdullah called on Modi on Thursday and handed over to him a resolution seeking early restoration of statehood to the Union Territory, officials had said. He also met Defence Minister Rajnath Sin