Srinagar, Aug 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said Jammu & Kashmir should become the starting point for strengthening federalism in the country.
Addressing people at Bakshi Stadium on the 80th Independence Day, the Chief Minister said the occasion was a time for celebration as well as reflection on India’s journey over the past eight decades. He called for further strengthening democracy and federalism.
Abdullah recalled the resistance put up by the people of J&K against the tribal invasion in 1947, saying people in villages, towns and streets stood up against the attackers even before the Army reached the region. “Those who had weapons used weapons, while those who did not had weapons showed even fake guns and fought against the invaders,” he said, recalling the sacrifices made by thousands of people.
He also remembered National Conference leader Master Abdul Aziz, who, he said, was killed in Muzaffarabad while resisting the tribal invasion.
Referring to the people living across the Line of Control (LoC), the Chief Minister said their condition remained a matter of sadness and regret. He said people living on the other side of the LoC were regarded as their own and not as “strangers or outsiders”.
Noting that seats for representatives from that part of J&K continue to remain reserved in the Legislative Assembly, Abdullah expressed hope that one day people from across the LoC would be able to occupy those seats. “Had there been no alteration to J&K in 2019, I believe people on the other side of the LoC would have sought rejoining this part of the J&K,” the Chief Minister said without directly mentioning Article 370 revocation.
‘J&K should be starting point for stronger federalism’
In his 20-minute speech, Omar said democracy and federalism were among the biggest strengths of India and stressed that both needed to be protected and strengthened.
“Whatever was taken away from us should be returned to us,” he said, adding that J&K should become the “starting point for strengthening the federal structure in the country”. He said federalism should not remain limited to words but must be reflected in the functioning and powers of states.
“Federalism could be weakened when central agencies exercised powers falling within the states’ domain,” Omar said. He stressed that restoring J&K’s “original constitutional guarantees and statehood is vital for renewing the spirit of Indian federalism”.
Referring to education and healthcare, the CM said these had traditionally been areas of state responsibility. He said national-level examinations such as NEET, NET and JEE had changed the manner in which admissions were conducted. While national examinations were appropriate for national institutions such as IITs, IIMs and NIFT, he said state institutions should have the right to conduct their own examinations and admissions.
Referring to recruitment-related controversies in J&K, Abdullah said such issues had led to inquiries and assurances of corrective measures. He said public trust in institutions takes years to build but can be lost within minutes. “Admissions and recruitment in J&K should be transparent, clear and merit-based so that deserving candidates feel they have a fair opportunity,” he said.
‘Government, Opposition and media have key roles’
The Chief Minister also underlined the importance of the government, Opposition and media in a functioning democracy. “The government has the responsibility to govern, the Opposition must hold it accountable both inside and outside the Assembly, and the media has an important responsibility to scrutinise both the government and Opposition and keep people informed,” he said.
Defending his government’s performance over the past two and a half years, Omar said the government belonged to the people of J&K and was working for their welfare, development and happiness. “Our government is committed to creating opportunities for young people, including those living in villages, and ensuring that they could look towards a better future,” he said.
CM Abdullah said development and change could not be achieved through speeches alone and assured people that his government would continue to work for them. He extended Independence Day greetings to the people and expressed hope that the coming decades would bring greater prosperity, peace and development to the country and J&K.
