Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated on Friday that the resolution for the region’s special status, recently passed in the Legislative Assembly, has not been rejected, and the doors remain open.
He added that the issue of political prisoners will be pursued after the restoration of statehood.
Speaking to reporters at an event in Polo View, Srinagar, Omar addressed the resolution’s status: “The resolution was passed by a majority of the members in the Legislative Assembly, with Congress members also present. It is alive, not rejected, and the door remains open. We will pursue it further once statehood is restored.”
Regarding the release of political prisoners, Omar emphasized that the government must wait for the restoration of statehood first.
He added that while law and order remain under the jurisdiction of the Centre, the government has worked to ease the verification process.
“Steps are being taken, and progress is being made,” he said, referring to his earlier speech in the Legislative Assembly about streamlining the process.
Omar also responded to critics who claimed the resolution lacked substance, saying, “If there was nothing in the resolution, why did Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah frequently discuss it?”
He assured that once statehood is restored, the government will address the cases of political prisoners and work towards their release.
During the cabinet meeting, Omar announced the formation of a sub-committee to review the reservation policy in light of Supreme Court directives.
The committee will submit its findings to the cabinet for further deliberation.
In response to questions about alleged civilian torture in Kishtwar, Omar acknowledged past incidents of torture but expressed relief that no deaths had occurred.
He called for a thorough investigation, urging the army to hold any soldiers found guilty accountable.
On the issue of winter power curtailments, Omar stated that he had directed the power department to minimize cuts in areas with less theft, expressing hope for an improved power situation in Kashmir this winter.