Srinagar/Hyderabad: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) could have sought reunification with Jammu and Kashmir if the region’s special status and statehood had not been changed in 2019.
Speaking at an Independence Day programme in Srinagar, Abdullah said the recent situation in PoK reinforced his belief that Kashmiris made the right choice in 1947 by resisting tribal invaders and joining India.
He expressed concern over reports of deaths, injuries and arrests in PoK during protests seeking democratic rights.
Omar Abdullah Reiterates Demand for J&K Statehood
Abdullah paid tribute to his grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who led the political movement in Jammu and Kashmir during the period of the 1947 invasion.
Referring to the situation across the Line of Control, he said he believed the actions of his ancestors in supporting accession to India had been justified.
“If the statehood and special status of Jammu and Kashmir had not been revoked in 2019, I can definitely say that the people of PoK would have revolted for their reunification in Jammu and Kashmir today,” Abdullah said.
He also reiterated that his government remains committed to seeking the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and other constitutional guarantees changed by the Centre on August 5, 2019.
Abdullah said his government would continue working towards these objectives through democratic and constitutional means.
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