Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed dismay that the Supreme Court, rather than the Election Commission of India, had to intervene regarding elections in Jammu and Kashmir, calling it “a matter of considerable shame.”
Abdullah, a leader of the National Conference, also disputed the notion that Article 370 was solely responsible for the region’s issues. He highlighted the concerning trend of terrorist attacks spreading to previously unaffected areas like the hills of Jammu, Rajouri, and Poonch.
During the ABP Network’s `Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 on Saturday, Abdullah also raised concerns about the increase in targeted attacks on Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley under the current government’s tenure compared to the past.
Addressing the Supreme Court’s directive to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by the end of September 2024, Abdullah questioned the response of both the BJP and the Government of India, emphasizing the need for action.
“What is the BJP and what is the Government of India going to do about the deadline the Supreme Court has set,” he said.
In December 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the Centre’s decision to revoke the provisions of Article 370 granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir but urged the restoration of statehood “at the earliest.”
Despite the abrogation of Article 370, there are still pockets of support for separatist movements, and terrorist attacks occur with alarming frequency, often on a weekly basis, he said.
He further asserted that under the current Union government, more Kashmiri Pandits have fallen victim to targeted attacks compared to previous administrations. According to him, the sense of security among Kashmiri Pandits has not been restored, with many now expressing a desire to leave Kashmir and return to Jammu, despite efforts by his government to resettle them in the Valley with government employment opportunities.
“This government has not returned Kashmiri Pandits their sense of security. More Kashmiri Pandits want to leave Kashmir today than (those who) wanted to five or ten years ago,” Abdullah added.
