Last Update:01 November 2024 09:00 IST

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah skipped the J&K UT Foundation Day event on Thursday, drawing harsh reactions from LG Manoj Sinha.

J&K LG Manoj Sinha and CM Omar Abdullah (PTI photo)

A war of words broke out between the BJP and the National Conference over the sixth Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Foundation Day celebrations, which were boycotted by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other ruling National Conference leaders on Thursday.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha questioned CM Abdullah’s move, stating that the current status of Jammu and Kashmir as a UT is a fact.

J&K UT Foundation Day celebrates the formation of the Union Territory under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. This year’s event was held at the Convention Center in Jammu.

What did J&K LG say about Abdullah’s boycott?

While reiterating Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s promise to provide statehood to J&K at an appropriate time, Sinha lashed out at the Prime Minister and said Omar Abdullah should get used to the fact that the region is now a Union Territory and not a state.

“This is not the first time we are celebrating this day. Elections in J&K ended a few days ago… Not everyone will be able to attend the event, but Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory as of date and we will have to accept this fact. Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also said that delimitation first, “Secondly comes Assembly elections and then statehood. When PM Modi comes here on Yoga Day, he said Assembly elections will be held soon and then statehood will be given to J&K,” he said. he said.

War of words on UT Foundation Day

J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina criticized CM Abdullah for the boycott and suggested him to “rise above party politics” as a person holding a constitutional position.

“Every year, October 31 is celebrated as the UT Foundation Day… Participating in programs under the Constitution is the responsibility of a person serving in a constitutional office. When a person holds a constitutional office, that person must rise above party politics…I hope the J&K CM will participate in such programs in the future…” he said.

J&K Minister and National Conference leader Javed Ahmed Rana said the party not only “boycotted” but also “rejected” the event.

“We not only boycott but also reject UT Foundation Day. Our jurisdiction is against the UT; We will always talk about the restoration of the state and special status… Article 370 and 35A. “Repealing the article and granting Union Territory status to J-K was not a good step,” he said.

National Conference’s opposition to UT Foundation Day

The National Conference, led by Farooq Abdullah, has been vocal on UT Day and has repeatedly called for the restoration of J&K’s statehood as it was before August 5, 2019, when Article 370, which provided special status to the erstwhile state, was abrogated. A historic move by the Modi 2.0 administration. J&K was converted into one UT and further divided into two UTs: Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq had earlier claimed that the NC will not celebrate UT Day as the party does not recognize Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory, its status was taken away from the people of JK in 2019 and is unconstitutional.

JKNC spokesperson reiterated: “We will never be satisfied with the Union Territory status. Our demand is firm: Jammu and Kashmir should become a full state and be given the status it deserves before 5 August 2019.”

(with ANI entries)