Fear, intimidation will only yield unnatural peace in J&K: CM Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expresses satisfaction over resolution for restoration of special status to J&K, emphasizes people's role in peace.

Expressing satisfaction over the passage of a resolution calling for restoration of the special status to Jammu and Kashmir in the State Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday (November 8, 2024) said people “have to be partners in peace, and fear and intimidation will only yield unnatural peace” in J&K.

Meanwhile, the BJP continued its protests against the resolution for the third day in the House.

While speaking on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s address, Mr. Abdullah ruled out any friction with the security agencies and said his government will extend cooperation and coordination, especially with police, to establish peace in J&K.

“One of the important responsibilities for us is to maintain law and order, to prepare against militancy, terror and violence. The situation cannot be normalised in a vacuum. The government and the administration of J&K L-G are in close coordination in this matter. I want to assure J&K Police, central forces and other security forces that our government stands with them completely in keeping the situation normal and in establishing peace here,” Mr. Abdullah said.

He, however, added that fear and intimidation might help in unnatural calm but the situation would improve only with the coordination and cooperation of people. “People have to become partners in peace,” Mr. Abdullah said.

The CM said it was unfortunate that CID verification was weaponised in J&K. “Passport verification and job verification were used to persecute people rather than win hearts. All cases where the accused do not face serious cases and those against whom charges are not framed, the government needs to think. Right now, it’s not under purview. Once it is, we will work towards it,” the Chief Minister said.

Describing the resolution for restoration of the special status as an act that does not “limit options”, Mr. Abdullah sought immediate restoration of Statehood to J&K. “In terms of power, this is not the Assembly that we are entitled to. Though this Assembly is the means to reach there. J&K should become a State again, a full-fledged State not a hybrid one. This has been repeatedly promised to the people of J&K by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister,” he said. Mr. Abdullah said he had a ‘successful’ meeting with the Prime Minister and the Home Minister recently.