Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, Aug 15: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs of the country and called for reflection on India’s journey over the past 80 years, while stressing the need to strengthen democracy and federalism.
In his address on the 80th Independence Day, CM Omar Abdullah, as learnt by news agency JKNS, said the occasion was a day of “joy, remembrance and reflection” and urged people to consider whether the India envisioned at the time of independence had been fully realised and what more needed to be done for the future.
Pays Tribute to Sheikh Abdullah, 1947 Resistance
He paid special tribute to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, whom he described as the “greatest leader” and the “most courageous person” of Jammu and Kashmir, saying that any Independence Day reflection in J&K would remain incomplete without remembering his contribution.
The Chief Minister recalled the resistance put up by the people of Jammu and Kashmir against tribal raiders and attackers from across the border in 1947, saying people in villages, towns and streets stood up against the invasion even before the Indian Army reached the region.
“Those who had weapons used weapons, while those who did not have weapons showed even fake guns and fought against the invaders,” Omar said, adding that thousands of people sacrificed their lives.
He also remembered National Conference leader Master Abdul Aziz, who, he said, was killed in Muzaffarabad while resisting the tribal invasion.
“People Across LoC Are Our Own”
Referring to the situation across the Line of Control, Omar Abdullah said the condition of people in that part of Jammu and Kashmir was a matter of sadness and regret.
He said the people there were regarded as their own and not as strangers or outsiders.
He noted that seats continue to remain reserved for representatives from that part of Jammu and Kashmir in the Legislative Assembly, expressing hope that one day the people there would be able to occupy those seats.
Calls for Stronger Federalism, Restoration of What Was Taken Away
Calling democracy and federalism the biggest strengths of India, the Chief Minister said protecting, strengthening and keeping democracy alive in every situation was a collective responsibility.
He stressed that federalism must also be strengthened in practice, saying Jammu and Kashmir should be the starting point for reinforcing the federal structure.
“Whatever was taken away from us should be returned to us,” Omar said, stressing that federalism and the identity of the states should not remain limited to words but should be reflected in practice.
He said strengthening federalism was not merely about restoring statehood to one state but about empowering all states of the country.
Raises Concern Over Erosion of States’ Powers
Omar Abdullah cautioned that federalism suffers when central agencies interfere in matters falling within the states’ domain or when powers vested with states are eroded or exercised by central agencies.
Referring to education and healthcare, he said these areas traditionally fell within the responsibility of states, while national-level examinations such as NEET, NET and JEE had changed the manner in which admissions were conducted.
He, however, maintained that national examinations were appropriate for national institutions such as IITs, IIMs and NIFT, while state educational institutions should have the right to conduct their own examinations and admissions.
“Losing Trust Takes Minutes, Regaining It Takes Years”
The Chief Minister also referred to recruitment-related controversies in Jammu and Kashmir, saying allegations surrounding recruitment had led to inquiries and assurances of corrective measures.
He said rebuilding public trust in a system takes years, whereas losing that trust can happen within minutes.
“It is hoped that in Jammu and Kashmir, whether it is admission or recruitment, everything should be clear, transparent and merit-based,” he said, stressing that deserving candidates should feel they have a fair right to jobs or seats.
Government, Opposition and Media Have Key Roles
Omar Abdullah also underlined the importance of maintaining a strong relationship between the government and the people, saying that a government could only serve its purpose when it met public expectations and worked according to people’s needs.
He said the government, the opposition and the media all have important roles in a democracy. While the government’s responsibility is to govern, the opposition must hold the government accountable inside and outside the Assembly, while the media must hold both sides accountable.
“Your Government Is Working for You”
Defending the performance of his government over the past two and a half years, Omar Abdullah said the government belonged to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and was working for their welfare, development and happiness.
He said the government was committed to creating opportunities so that every youngster, including those living in villages, could see a ray of hope and a better future.
The Chief Minister said development and change could not be achieved through speeches or words alone, assuring the people that his government would continue to represent and serve them.
He said the government would work towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for the region and working towards restoration of constitutional guarantees.
Concluding his address, Omar Abdullah extended Independence Day greetings to the people and expressed hope that the next 80 years of India would be more prosperous, advanced, peaceful and fraternal than the previous eight decades. (JKNS)
