J&K CM says NC was first to raise the issue; visits Safapora rape-murder victim’s family
Diplomat Correspondent
Ganderbal, ( DD): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday questioned the sincerity of the Congress party’s campaign for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying the party never sought support from his party on the matter.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Safapora in Ganderbal district, Omar said, “We only hear about their demands through the media. They never raised the issue in the recent INDIA bloc meeting either.”
He added, “We were the first to raise the demand for full statehood and even brought a resolution to that effect. If they want our support, they should talk to us directly.”
Omar’s comments come amid renewed political chatter around the possible restoration of J&K’s statehood, a key demand from multiple political parties since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
Responding to a separate query about Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation, Omar said, “This is the first time such a resignation has happened in this manner. It’s certainly unusual.”
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister visited the family of a woman allegedly raped and murdered in Safapora last week. He expressed condolences and assured the family of full government support.
“Police have registered a case, and the government is committed to ensuring justice. All necessary assistance will be extended to the bereaved family,” he said (DD)