'Matter of shame,' Omar Abdullah criticises SC intervention in Jammu & Kashmir polls

Omar Abdullah/ File Photo/ PTI

During his remarks at ABP Network's 'Ideas of India' Summit 3.0 in Mumbai, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah highlighted his displeasure with the Supreme Court's participation in declaring elections for the area, calling it "a matter of considerable shame".

Abdullah expressed worry that instead of the Election Commission of India or the Government of India announcing elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Supreme Court was left to establish a deadline. He emphasised the importance of this problem, particularly given the Supreme Court's recent decision ordering assembly elections by the end of September 2024, reported PTI.

According to the report, the National Conference leader also questioned the concept that Article 370 was entirely responsible for the issues faced by Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out the resurgence of terrorist attacks in areas that were previously unaffected by such violence, particularly in the hills of Jammu, Rajouri, and Poonch.

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"What is the BJP and what is the Government of India going to do about the deadline the Supreme Court has set," Abdullah was quoted as saying.

He further added, "It is a matter of considerable shame that elections in Jammu and Kashmir, rather than being announced by the Election Commission or encouraged by the Government of India, had to be announced by the Supreme Court."

Abdullah also expressed concern about the safety of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley, claiming that the current government has launched more targeted attacks on them than previous administrations. He stated that, despite efforts to relocate Kashmiri Pandits with government jobs, many are now feeling unsafe and intend to return to Jammu, the report added.

Highlighting persisting issues, Abdullah criticised the government's failure to reestablish a sense of security for Kashmiri Pandits, highlighting an upsurge in their desire to leave the Valley in recent years.

The former Chief Minister's words highlight the complicated and delicate issues surrounding Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the judiciary's role in election proceedings and the security concerns of minority communities such as Kashmiri Pandits, the report added.

"This government has not returned Kashmiri Pandits their sense of security. More Kashmiri Pandits want to leave Kashmir today than (those who) wanted to five or ten years ago," Abdullah added.