The Former Chief Minister of Jammu Kashmir and National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah has said that the abrogation of Article 370 did not change my outlook for India. However, my approach to the central government has changed.
In an interview with Times Now, he asked how Jammu Kashmir has benefited from the abrogation of Article 370? Jammu Kashmir is more developed than Uttar Pradesh. He added, “show me a new investment that has come up in Jammu Kashmir in the recent past. Most of the projects came during the time of previous governments”.
Omar further added that Jammu Kashmir rank above Gujarat in the Human Development Index, this is not the gift of the last 2 years. The Modi government did not develop Kashmir, whatever happened in the Manmohan Singh government”.
Omar said, “There was gender bias in Article 35A, it needed to be corrected. I was ready for reform but not for repeal of Article 35A.” Omar further said, “I find it difficult to believe what happened through Jammu Kashmir (after the abrogation of Article 370).”
On the decision to remove Article 370, he said that it did not change my outlook for the country. However, my approach to the central government has changed. At the same time, on the question of detention, he said that not the country, but the Modi government kept the leaders under house arrest. I have faith in the judiciary of the country. Hearing on 370 should be speeded up in the Supreme Court. There has been a loss of confidence in the institutions of the country.
Omar Abdullah further said, “there was a need to reform Article 35A but not an abrogation of Article 35A. Jammu and Kashmir wanted to become a separate country but Jammu and Kashmir went with India with conditions.
He said that India never adopted Kashmiris. India broke the promise made to Kashmiris. “I never talked about going with Pakistan. If this happens then some people of Kashmir will be happy. I do not represent Pakistan.”