J&K CM Omar Abdullah Says Ready To Dissolve Assembly For Statehood Restoration

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on Tuesday (24 June) his readiness to dissolve the assembly if the Centre restore statehood of the Union Territory, reported Hindustan Times.

Speaking in Gulmarg, Abdullah responded to recent reports suggesting that J&K would need to hold fresh assembly polls upon statehood restoration.

Abdullah said, “As soon as the statehood is restored in J&K, it is a very good thing. I read in one newspaper that for the restoration of statehood, the dissolution of the assembly is mandatory. They should do it.”

He added, "I know who has planted this story with an aim to scare the assembly members who won’t press for restoration of the statehood for the next five years. This statehood isn’t for any legislator or government; this statehood is for the people of J&K."

He challenged those attempting to threaten legislators, saying, “You should do it. The day statehood gets restored, the next day I will write to the lieutenant governor to dissolve this assembly. Don’t try to threaten us. Statehood is our right.”

Last Saturday (21 June), National Conference president Farooq Abdullah affirmed his party's intention to approach the Supreme Court if the government unduly delays statehood restoration.

Omar Abdullah previously raised the statehood issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Vande Bharat train flag-off and the Z Morh tunnel inauguration this month.

BJP leaders assert that J&K will regain statehood at an appropriate time, with some linking it to improved law and order.