Srinagar: Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, has voiced severe criticisms of the changes enforced in Jammu and Kashmir by the BJP government, accusing it of robbing the people of their dignity, honor, and identity.
According to Kashmir Media Service, during election rallies across Baramulla, Handwara, and Tangdhar, Abdullah detailed the perceived injustices that have befallen the residents of Jammu and Kashmir since the revocation of its special status on August 5, 2019. He articulated that the region has been stripped of its constitutional autonomy, including its own flag and legal rights which once protected its land and resources exclusively for its native populace.
Abdullah emphasized the deep sense of loss felt by the people: “A lot has been taken away from us, our dignity, our honor, our identity has been taken away from us. We had our own flag, we had our own constitution, Ladakh was our part, we had our own state, we had the right to our own land in the state, we had the right to our own employment, we had the right to rivers, mountains, and forests.”
The National Conference leader pointed out that the actions of August 5, 2019, fundamentally altered the demographic and political landscape of the region, transferring rights from the local population of 14 million to over a billion people nationwide, which has led to widespread disillusionment and socio-economic disruption.
Abdullah reaffirmed his commitment to opposing these changes, stressing that his party will not allow the rights of the Kashmiri people to be compromised or traded away. He underlined the urgent need to restore the special status and rights previously held by Jammu and Kashmir to foster peace and development in the region.