Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said he was ready to step down from his position if all political parties suspend their individual identities and launch a united democratic movement for the restoration of statehood.
Speaking at an event, the Chief Minister said, “Let us see if everyone is sincere. Let us suspend political parties first and then stand together on one movement platform.”
“We must raise our voice and fight the legal battle democratically and peacefully until the constitutional rights and protections taken away in 2019 are restored,” he added. He urged all parties to demonstrate their sincerity by putting “money where their mouth is” and engaging in meaningful dialogue rather than symbolic gestures.
Omar said he would be willing to make any political sacrifice if such a united movement takes shape in the Union Territory. “I will be the first one to resign. Let representatives come together under a common movement platform,” he said.
He emphasised that every effort to regain rights must be consistent and not limited to scoring political points. “I also understand that people may call it drama, but if there is no sincerity and continuity, it cannot be just a show-off exercise. Persistent efforts are needed to build trust among the people of Jammu and Kashmir that political parties are ready and serious for the restoration of statehood,” he said.
Besides, he warned about the radicalisation of youth on religious lines, asserting that it could have wider consequences for the country's socio-political and socio-religious fabric.
“When you see efforts of radicalisation, especially in the northern parts of the country on religious lines, at the behest of our ruling party, you cannot expect there will be no backlash and opposite reaction elsewhere,” he said.
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