Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has criticised his manhandling by the security officials on July 14, as he was forced to jump over the fence to offer prayers for the July 13, 1931 martyrs in Kashmir.
He termed the episode as shameful and called those behind the move anti-democratic forces in the UT. He said those people have done no favours to democracy, and as such, episodes deeply erode public faith in the electoral process.
Omar said, “What happened on July 14 was shameful. It should never have happened.” He, along with several party members, was allegedly manhandled by the police as they tried to break free to offer their respects.
Omar, in an indirect swipe at the LG administration, which oversees the security in Jammu and Kashmir, said, “Implications and its ramifications of July 14 will be felt long after” and said if “an elected head of government is being treated that way, imagine what that means for the regular citizens.”
In an anger-filled tone, he said, “It’s not about me; it’s not about the individual. It’s about the office, it’s about the institution, and it’s about the implications. And none of this bodes well for Jammu and Kashmir.”
He said the BJP itself took part in such events when it was in the coalition government with the PDP, and said BJP members also paid respect to martyrs between 2015 and 2018 before pulling out of the government.
“At that time, why did they not say all this? Because they wanted the fruits of power. So what does that tell you about their commitment and their ideology?” he asked.
Omar took a swipe at the BJP, saying, “I don’t agree with anything the BJP says or does. And they don’t agree with what I do. Which is fine. That’s the difference in our politics.”
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