Will fight for J&K's special status: Omar Abdullah

Arun Joshi
Tribune News Service
Jammu, July 30

National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah has declared that he will fight for what was taken away from Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, that is the special status of the state and its statehood.

“I am very clear about it,” he told The Tribune in a telephonic interview, explaining what all he believes in and why didn’t he speak immediately after his release in March this year. “My silence was being misinterpreted as some kind of understanding with Delhi, so I’ve decided to debunk that theory.” Excerpts from the interview:

You’ve been saying there is no space for the mainstream parties

I have never said the space for mainstream parties has obliterated, but we haven’t been able to hold public meetings to know where we stand.

What’s your assessment of the Kashmir situation?

The mood is obviously that of anger and disappointment. People were waiting for the views of the mainstream parties, even the separatists were watching Governor’s rule to see if it would end corruption and generate employment. Nothing has happened.

What will be your first step now?

To facilitate the release of my colleagues. Dr (Farooq Abdullah) Sahab and I have filed petitions for the release of NC leaders from detention. Thereafter, the NC will decide the future course.

How do you hope to get the pre-August 5 position?

We cannot tell what verdict the Supreme Court will deliver on the subject. But our case is quite strong.

Can you convince the nation that Article 370 was in national interest?

It was in national interest. It was a matter of trust and sovereign commitment of the country with the people of J&K. I can convince the country, but we are up against vast propaganda machinery (of the BJP). There are dangers involved.

What’s your reaction to the Centre’s claim on zero casualty after August 5?

That the BJP or the government is claiming zero casualty and using it to suggest that people are happy with the abrogation of 370 is akin to incentivising violent protests. That people didn’t allow their emotions to get the better of them is something they should be complimented for but it does not suggest that people are not angry about what happened.

Why is it that two former CMs have been released, but the third one (Mehbooba Mufti) is still in detention?

My release was due to the intervention of the Supreme Court and the release of some of our colleagues was also due to the High Court intervention. The Government of India is not going to show any goodwill. The courts will have to be moved to get out of detention.

NC chief spokesperson Ruhullah Mehdi has resigned.

No comments. It is an internal matter, the party will take a call.