Omar meets PM Modi in Delhi, hands over statehood resolution

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is on his first official visit to Delhi after assuming office, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Omar said he visited the Prime Minister “to present a Cabinet resolution advocating for the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s empowered statehood.”

“The resolution underscores the J&K government’s dedication to safeguarding the identity and constitutional rights of the region’s residents,” Omar wrote on Instagram.

The meeting lasted over 30 minutes during which Abdullah discussed various issues related to Jammu and Kashmir, including the present security situation and development works. He also presented a traditional Kashmiri shawl to the prime minister, said officials.

The resolution was passed by the new government in its first Cabinet meeting last week after Abdullah’s National Conference registered a remarkable victory in the Assembly polls, bagging 42 of the 90 seats.

The Chief Minister has been authorised by the Cabinet to engage with the Prime Minister and the Central Government to advocate for the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. This resolution was also approved by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

Earlier in the day, Abdullah met Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari at his office. During the meeting, Abdullah apprised Gadkari about the road connectivity projects in Jammu and Kashmir, the officials said. The chief minister presented Gadkari with a traditional Kashmiri shawl.

Later, Abdullah met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and sought cooperation for an improved security situation in the union territory so that the development work could be completed.

Abdullah had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday. According to officials, it was a courtesy call during which the Chief Minister apprised the Union Home Minister about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and discussed the issue of restoration of statehood.

Omar said additionally, he brought “to light the various challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” “It was a productive half-hour discussion that shed light on the current situation and the path forward,” Omar said on late Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, Nasir Aslam Wani, National Conference senior leader and political adviser to the Chief Minister, said these meetings are just normal coordination between the state and national leaders. “There’s no need to read too much into them,” he said.