Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, July 27: Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah has broken his silence about his future course of action. He has made it explicitly clear that he won’t contest the assembly elections till J&K’s statehood is restored.
An analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said that during the past few days, political parties have upped the ante to seek restoration of J&K’s statehood. “It appears that most of the political parties have acknowledged the change in J&K’s status-quo. None of the leaders want to talk about Centre’s August 5, 2019 decision and it seems that everyone wants to move ahead,” he added.
It’s in place to mention here that senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad during his recent meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi sought the restoration of J&K’s statehood before the assembly elections are held. After Azad, Omar Abdullah has toed the same line.
The analyst said, “Regional parties in Kashmir seem to have realized that flogging a dead horse won’t serve any purpose and if these parties have to remain relevant then they will have to soften their stand and accept the ground reality.”
He said, “Apparently it seems that New Delhi has made up its mind to restore J&K’s statehood as the statements being given by the BJP leaders indicate that party has agreed in principle to fulfill the demand of the regional parties.”
On Sunday, NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah had stated that restoration of J&K’s statehood is the priority and he has got full faith in Supreme Court as far as the J&K’s special status is concerned.
An observer said, “The rat race to take credit for restoration of J&K’s statehood has commenced and it appears that announcement in this regard is likely to be made soon.”
He said, “It looks like that restoration of 4G internet and statehood will be announced soon. The flurry of statements indicates that something has already been agreed upon.”
He said, “New Delhi seems to be keen on reviving the political process in Kashmir and it appears that leaders have decided to take a step forward to address the concerns of the Kashmiri leaders but on their own terms and conditions.”
“Political scenario in Kashmir has changed drastically post August 5, 2019 and the parties will have to change their strategies to remain visible on the scene. Omar Abdullah’s decision to stay away from electoral process till J&K’s statehood is restored is no surprise. It was expected from him,” the observer added.
Political parties in Kashmir want to bury the hatchet, move ahead?
