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Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has termed the historic decision taken by the National Conference leaders 80 years ago to merge with India as the right decision. On the occasion of Independence Day on Saturday, he once again strongly raised his demand for restoration of special status and full statehood of Jammu and Kashmir to maintain the federal structure of the country.

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Big statement on PoK and Article 370

Addressing the main Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium, the Chief Minister said that if the special status of Jammu and Kashmir had not been revoked in 2019, today the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) would have been protesting for reunification with Jammu and Kashmir.

The people of PoK are our own

Expressing concern over the plight of the residents of PoK at present, Abdullah reiterated that India considers them as its own. He emphasized that even today seats have been reserved for the representatives of PoK in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, in the hope that they will occupy those seats one day.

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Tribute to martyrs and decision of merger

Omar Abdullah paid tribute to National Conference founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and the local volunteers who sacrificed their lives in 1947 while fighting the invaders from across the border before the arrival of the Indian Army.

He said that when I see the situation across the border and on the Line of Control (LOC), I realize that our ancestors who gave the slogan – 'Invader beware, we Kashmiris are ready', were absolutely right. Today I feel that the decision taken by our leaders 80 years ago was absolutely right.

During this, he also remembered National Conference leader Master Abdul Aziz, who was martyred while trying to stop the attack by tribals supported by Pakistan Army in Muzaffarabad.

Defense of federalism and return of constitutional guarantees

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The Chief Minister described democracy and federalism as the two biggest pillars of the country. He said that India is a union of states and saving and strengthening federalism should start from Jammu and Kashmir only.

He made it clear that whatever has been snatched from us should be returned, so that our identity is reflected not only in words but also in behavior. True tribute to the martyrs will come only when their dreams are fulfilled, including regaining statehood and ushering in new progress.

Targeting centralization and exams like NEET/JEE

Expressing concern over the centralized model of governance, the Chief Minister warned that when central agencies undermine the autonomy of states, federalism is deeply damaged. Citing the example of entrance exams like NEET and JEE, he argued that such central exams are appropriate for national institutes like IITs and IIMs, but state-run educational institutions should retain the right to conduct their own admissions. He described the recent student protests in Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir as the result of the excesses of this centralized system.

Transparent governance and trust to the youth

At the end of his address, Omar Abdullah assured the public that his government is fully committed to providing transparent, merit-based recruitment and accountable governance. On behalf of the administration, he pledged to fulfill the aspirations of the youth and take them from darkness to light.

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