Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has asserted that terror attacks must not dictate the political future of the Union Territory, as he launched a signature campaign demanding statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to supporters and civil society members, Abdullah stressed that the region’s destiny should be shaped by its people, not by extremists seeking to derail peace.

Launch of Statehood Campaign

At a public gathering in Srinagar, Omar Abdullah announced the beginning of a mass signature campaign calling for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative seeks to mobilise citizens across the Union Territory, gathering support to present before the Union Government in New Delhi.

According to Abdullah, statehood is a long-standing demand of the people, who believe that effective governance, dignity, and autonomy can only be ensured through the reinstatement of statehood. The campaign is expected to be carried out in phases, covering major towns and districts across J&K.

Terror Attacks and Political Narrative

Abdullah strongly criticised attempts to link terror attacks with J&K’s political status, calling it a dangerous narrative that undermines democratic processes. He said that while security concerns remain important, they should not become the sole determinant of the region’s political future.

“Every time there is a terror attack, questions are raised about whether Jammu and Kashmir deserves statehood or not. This is unfair to the people, who have continuously shown faith in democracy,” Abdullah remarked.

He argued that terrorism, though a reality, is often used as a political tool to delay decisions on autonomy and governance reforms. Abdullah called on the Union Government to separate issues of security from those of political rights.

Emphasis on Peace and Development

The Chief Minister urged the people to support the campaign, emphasising that peace, unity, and development should remain at the core of J&K’s future. He added that by restoring statehood, the Centre would empower local governance and allow elected representatives to respond better to the needs of the population.

“Statehood is not just about politics; it is about giving back a sense of identity and dignity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah said.

Opposition to Linking Terror with Governance

Abdullah also took on political opponents who, according to him, seek to exploit terror incidents for electoral gains. He cautioned that such rhetoric divides communities and fuels mistrust. Instead, he called for a unified political approach where parties across ideologies join hands to strengthen democratic institutions in J&K.

Citizen Involvement and Way Forward

The signature campaign has already attracted interest from youth groups, student organisations, and local leaders who believe that statehood would give them a stronger voice in decision-making. Civil society members have also highlighted that without political empowerment, long-term development goals such as employment, education, and infrastructure cannot be effectively met.

Abdullah announced that once a significant number of signatures are collected, the memorandum would be formally submitted to the Union Government, demanding a clear roadmap for restoring statehood.

Conclusion

The campaign marks a renewed push for political empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir, with Omar Abdullah standing firm that terrorism must not be allowed to dictate the region’s democratic and constitutional future. By separating terrorism from political decision-making, Abdullah aims to reclaim statehood, restore dignity, and refocus attention on governance and development.

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