Days after NC’s protest call, Omar Abdullah meets PM Modi; seeks early J&K statehood

The meeting between the Prime Minister and Omar came a day after Omar’s meeting with Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and is significant in the backdrop of the National Conference’s decision to hold a sit-in at Jantar Mantar to press for the return of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

On June 3, after a party meeting, the National Conference had announced that all its legislators would travel to Delhi on the first day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session to stage a protest for the early return of statehood.

In his meeting with the Prime Minister, Omar stressed that the return of statehood is essential for the inclusive growth of Jammu and Kashmir. “Jammu & Kashmir is committed to being a full and productive partner in India’s growth story,” the Chief Minister told the Prime Minister. “The early restoration of statehood, coupled with continued support from the Government of India, would further strengthen J&K’s march towards inclusive growth, prosperity and good governance.”

Omar also discussed J&K’s economic situation with the Prime Minister and sought his support. The chief minister apprised Modi of J&K’s economic situation, developmental projects, and the progress achieved in infrastructure creation, public service delivery and welfare measures.

Omar said the Union Territory needed “continued support” from the Centre to “accelerate economic growth, strengthen connectivity, generate employment opportunities, expand infrastructure and enhance public welfare across Jammu and Kashmir”.

Omar also raised the hydropower potential of Jammu and Kashmir and the need to harness it, besides the augmentation of the Udhampur–Srinagar rail service ahead of the apple season and the closure of Srinagar International Airport from October 1 to 16.