Jammu, Jul 28: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said he is hopeful of restoration of statehood to the Union Territory during the Monsoon session of Parliament, asserting that his government will raise the issue if there is no progress on it during this period.
However, the J&K Congress said they are intensifying the statehood restoration agitation from August 1 and announced a three-week programme including chain hunger strike as part of its ‘Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq’ campaign.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here, Chief Minister Abdullah said, “Let this Parliament session pass. We are hopeful that we will get something in this session. If we do not get anything, we will talk after that. I will not go for a strike as long as the Parliament is in session.”
He was responding to a question on the Congress’ announcement that it will intensify its agitation for the restoration of statehood.
The National Conference and the Congress fought the last year’s assembly elections together with the national party only winning six seats against regional party’s 42 seats. The NC is also enjoying the support of five independent MLAs.
The Congress has decided to stay away from the government till the restoration of statehood to J&K.
“If I am right, the Parliament session will continue till August 21 or 22. If we do not see any progress on restoration of statehood within or outside the Parliament during this period, then we will talk (on the subject),” Abdullah said.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Van Mahotsav 2025 celebrations organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department at Abhinav Theatre.
“Climate change is real, and the signs are all around us. The earth and our environment are a heritage we must pass on to the next generations—if not improved, at least preserved in our lifetime,” he asserted.
Let’s find joy in planting trees and gifting plants, he remarked, calling on people to transform the festival into a vibrant people’s movement.
The event was marked by broad community participation including tribal members, students, and citizens across the Union Territory.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasised that our actions today would have repercussions long afterwards. There needs to be a check on greed; only our needs must be met. Uncontrolled deforestation must stop. Genuine afforestation efforts are required to produce results that matter, not just statistics. He added that development is a need, but it should be judicious. There must be a balance, development carried out with sincere concern for the environment. For every tree uprooted, a hundred must be planted.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve, the Chief Minister said that the administration will ensure the benefits of the Forest Rights Act and minor forest produce reach every intended beneficiary. Addressing the youth and tribal communities, he celebrated the enduring value of trees and the importance of collective stewardship.
