Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed strong hopes on Friday, October 17, 2025, for the swift restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. He underscored that this move would grant greater authority to the elected government, enabling it to effectively fulfill the commitments made to the populace during last year’s assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters in Kulgam district, south Kashmir, Mr. Abdullah noted his expectation that the Centre would uphold its promise of statehood restoration, a pledge reiterated in both Parliament and the Supreme Court. However, as this has yet to materialize, he affirmed his continued persistence on the matter.
“We are striving for increased powers, and that is precisely why we are pushing for statehood. It’s a promise made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and it must be honored,” Mr. Abdullah stated to the press in Kulgam. He added, “Only the Centre and the BJP can explain why Jammu and Kashmir remains without statehood. Nevertheless, we will not cease our efforts.”
When questioned about reports suggesting PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s conditions for government support on her party’s private member bills in exchange for backing the ruling party in Rajya Sabha polls, Mr. Abdullah clarified that the Speaker holds the authority to decide which bills are presented in the assembly. He asserted, “My government will not obstruct any bill that serves the public interest. However, neither I nor any other assembly member can dictate to the Speaker. There is a proper procedure for introducing a bill, and we will certainly support beneficial ones.”
Mr. Abdullah further mentioned that one of his own party colleagues has also prepared a bill concerning land grants, though he was unsure if it would be brought before the House. “My colleague Tanvir Sadiq has introduced a bill to rectify the Land Grants Act, which underwent amendments in 2021. I am unaware if Sadiq’s bill will be taken up, and similarly, the PDP bill also follows a specific process. But if it is introduced, my government will not stand in its way,” the Chief Minister affirmed.
Regarding the reintroduction of the bi-annual Darbar Move — the practice of relocating government offices between the winter capital Jammu and summer capital Srinagar — the Chief Minister confirmed that this promise to the people has been fulfilled. “Reviving the Darbar Move was a commitment to our citizens. Approximately three weeks ago, the Cabinet made this decision, which was then sent to the LG. Upon the LG’s approval, we issued the order. It marks the first time since 2021 that Jammu and Srinagar will be reconnected through the Darbar Move,” he explained.
The Chief Minister emphasized that his government is dedicated to fulfilling as many promises as possible to the people, even within the current Union Territory framework. “I have maintained from day one that even under the UT setup, we will honor as many pledges to our people as we can,” he reiterated.
Addressing another commitment to streamline the reservation system, Mr. Abdullah informed that a Cabinet sub-committee, tasked with reviewing the reservation issue, has submitted its report, which has been accepted by the Cabinet. “The department will now prepare a Cabinet memo, to be approved by circulation and then forwarded to the LG. This was one of our key promises to the public,” he added.
In response to inquiries about potential relief for the fruit industry during the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session, Mr. Abdullah stated that discussions are underway with the Centre for a special compensation package. “There’s no need for an assembly session for this. Wherever crops, be it horticulture or agriculture, have suffered losses, an assessment has been completed, and talks are progressing with the Centre to provide a special package, akin to other states, to compensate those affected,” he clarified.
Pertaining to the revocation of FIRs against individuals for COVID-19 pandemic violations, the Chief Minister highlighted that policing and law and order currently do not fall under the purview of the local government. “Once we acquire those powers, we will certainly fulfill those promises as well,” he assured.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister virtually launched crucial urban infrastructure projects in Kulgam. These included a Solid Waste Management and Material Recovery Facility at Lirrow, a Municipal Shopping Complex, and a Modern Abattoir, all designed to enhance commerce and civic amenities in the district. He also presided over a comprehensive review meeting for District Kulgam, evaluating progress in vital sectors such as CAPEX 2025-26 and CSS.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister commended the district’s effective response to recent floods and reviewed ongoing efforts for infrastructure restoration and public service delivery. Mr. Abdullah instructed officers to guarantee uninterrupted power and water supply throughout the winter, accelerate the permanent reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, intensify field inspections, foster improved inter-departmental coordination, and prioritize the timely completion of all ongoing projects to ensure tangible results on the ground, as detailed in the post.