'Meri Kya Itni Sasti Siyasat Hai?': CM Omar On Why This Is Not Right Moment To Demand J-K Statehood
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday remarked that he will not use the incident of the Pahalgam terrorist attack to demand the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir from the Centre.
Addressing a special session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the CM said, "I will not use this moment to demand statehood. After Pahalgam, with what face can I ask for statehood for Jammu and Kashmir?"
"Meri kya itni sasti siyasat hai? (Is my politics so cheap)," he added.
Reiterating his commitment to pursue the issue in future, Abdullah said, "It will be shameful on my part if I go and tell the central government that 26 people have died, now give me statehood."
At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists in Pahalgam's Baisaran, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 drawing widespread condemnation and outrage from within the country and global leaders.
'Strengthen People's Crusade'
The Jammu and Kashmir CM furhter said his government would strengthen people's crusade against terrorism as it can be defeated only by the cooperation of the public.
He, however, cautioned that the government should avoid any step that will alienate the public.
"Militancy or terrorism will finish when people are with us. Given people's outrage against the terror, this is the beginning of its finishing if we take proper steps," the chief minister said, winding up a discussion on a resolution in the House to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack.
"We should not take any step that will alienate people. We cannot control a terrorist with a gun but we can end militancy if people are with us. I think that time has come," he said. Abdullah also emphasised Srinagar's Jama Masjid's observane of two-minute silence before Friday prayers.
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