Srinagar

On Tuesday, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the former state would not have been reduced to a Union Territory if the vision of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had been followed. While speaking during a session in the legislative assembly honoring Vajpayee, Abdullah emphasized that J&K’s downgrade could have been avoided had Vajpayee’s approach to Kashmir been embraced.

Recalling a resolution passed by the J&K Assembly for greater autonomy, which was rejected by New Delhi during Vajpayee’s tenure, he noted that Vajpayee acknowledged his error and appointed the then law minister to engage in discussions with the state. However, Abdullah lamented that Vajpayee’s untimely death halted progress.

Omar praised Vajpayee as a visionary leader who aimed to foster friendly relations with Pakistan, emphasizing his famous mantra of Insaniyat, Jamhuriyat, and Kashmiriyat, which reflects his commitment to the Kashmiri identity and democratic values. He pointed out that Vajpayee initiated efforts to connect divided communities in J&K, but lamented that his vision has been left unfulfilled, leading to increased distances rather than unity.

Additionally, the Chief Minister paid tribute to his late friend, BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana, expressing sorrow over his unexpected passing and regret for not being aware of his health issues.