Srinagar, July 11:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said Jammu and Kashmir’s patience should not be misconstrued as weakness.
He questioned why the promise of restoring statehood has not been fulfilled despite delimitation and completion of assembly elections.
Addressing the workers of the National Conference on the 26th death anniversary of Begum Akbar Jahan Abdullah in Hazratbal.
Omar said the time has come to intensify the demand for restoration of statehood in a peaceful manner.
Paying tributes to his grandmother Begum Akbar Jahan Abdullah, Omar said she stood firm even during the most difficult period in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar further said that efforts are being made to defect to the National Conference by luring money and political posts.
“They are trying to break the National Conference once again. I am told that one of our MLAs from Jammu was promised Rs 20-30 crore, a ministerial post and restoration of statehood if he joins them. They think people’s consciences are so cheap. ”
Referring to the Supreme Court’s proceedings on Article 370, Omar said the Centre itself had prepared a three-phase roadmap. It included delimitation, elections and restoration of statehood.
The Chief Minister alleged that the process of delimitation was politically motivated and aimed at benefiting the BJP.