Srinagar, Oct 31 (KNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday questioned the delay in restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and said the situation after the Pahalgam attack would not have happened if security decisions were under his government.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Noor Jahan Bridge in Qamarwari, Omar said tourism-related activities had come to a standstill after the attack. “Shikaras, taxis, and houseboats are lying empty after the Pahalgam incident. Security is not under my control. If it were in our hands, such a situation would not have taken place,” he said.

Omar referred to his tenure as Chief Minister and said that during his six years in office, there had been no attacks targeting tourists. “Thirty-six visitors have been killed in Pahalgam, and we are being told to continue our work. We know our responsibilities. Let those in charge of security fulfill theirs,” he said, responding to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s remarks that the elected government already holds sufficient powers for governance.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Omar said that commitments made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in Parliament and before the Supreme Court should be implemented. “Why is there hesitation in restoring statehood? If people were promised it, why the delay? All political parties — NC, BJP, and PDP — spoke of restoring statehood during the elections. Now people are being told to wait for the right time. I will wait, but someone must explain what the right time means,” he said.

He said that as the Chief Minister, he should be aware of the roadmap for the restoration of statehood. “We need to be informed of the plan so that we can prepare and assist people in facing issues such as terminations of employees and eviction of residents from their homes without explanations,” he said.

Omar also spoke about the new bridge in Qamarwari and said his administration intends to complete all pending projects. “We are committed to finishing what we have started. Acknowledging what remains incomplete is also part of our responsibility,” he said.(KNS).