Omar Abdullah: Article 370 Abrogation Brought Change But No Real Progress in J&K
Omar Abdullah says no improvement in Jammu and Kashmir situation after Article 370 abrogation.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday criticised the central government, stating that while changes have occurred in the region, no real improvement has been seen since the abrogation of Article 370. Speaking at an event organized by the NGO Phulkari Women of Amritsar, Abdullah said that claims of enhanced peace, economic growth, and development have largely been unfulfilled.
Abdullah highlighted that violence continues unabated, unemployment remains high, and terrorism is still a major concern. Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack and recent blasts in Delhi, he stressed that the assurances given during the special status revocation were “false promises” that did not translate into on-ground benefits.
The former CM also addressed tourism, acknowledging a gradual increase in visitor numbers, but cautioned against aggressively promoting tourism in J&K amid security risks. “We don’t want tourists to be targeted while visiting the region,” he said, emphasizing the need for safety alongside economic revival.
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Omar Abdullah criticised central government policies, including modifications to the MGNREGA scheme, which he claimed have shifted a larger financial burden to already debt-laden states. He further highlighted losses stemming from the Indus Water Treaty, pointing out that J&K received no compensation or benefits for areas submerged by the Ranjit Sagar Dam.
Additionally, Abdullah expressed concern over the division of Jammu and Kashmir into separate administrative units, warning that the model already inflicted damage on Ladakh and could similarly endanger J&K’s future. He called for measures to protect the region’s resources and ensure equitable development, stressing that political and administrative decisions must prioritize local welfare.
In conclusion, Abdullah reiterated that despite visible changes, tangible improvements in security, economy, and governance remain absent, urging the central government to reconsider policies that could further destabilize the region.
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