Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accused the central government of failing to honor its promises on statehood for both Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Speaking at the launch of Harinder Baweja’s book, They Will Shoot You, Madam, Abdullah said delays in restoring statehood have deepened public mistrust.
Centre’s Unfulfilled Promises
Abdullah alleged that Ladakhi leaders were misled with “impossible” assurances, such as the Sixth Schedule, to encourage participation in Hill Council elections. “Everyone knew granting the Sixth Schedule was nearly impossible due to defence requirements along the borders, yet promises were made,” he said.
The CM also criticized the sudden change in the government’s stance toward Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was detained under the National Security Act following protests demanding Sixth Schedule inclusion. Abdullah pointed out that Wangchuk had previously praised the government for granting UT status to Ladakh in 2019.
Statehood for J-K
On Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said the three-stage roadmap—delimitation, elections, and restoration of statehood—had stalled at the final stage. “The first two stages are complete, but statehood remains pending, creating a trust deficit,” he said, adding that linking statehood to incidents like the Pahalgam terror attack undermines public faith.
People’s Concerns
Stressing that the issue is about the people, not the land, Abdullah said residents seek respect, ownership, and recognition of their aspirations.
The event was attended by former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh. Baweja’s book chronicles his reporting from conflict zones in Punjab, J-K, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
