Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah launched a sharp critique of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and People’s Conference leader Sajjad Lone on Friday, accusing them of maintaining silence on the issue of reservation in government recruitment when they were in positions of influence.
Speaking on the Cabinet Sub-Committee’s report regarding recruitment reservations, Abdullah said, “When Mehbooba Mufti needed votes, she banned her party from even discussing reservation. She contested from Anantnag while seeking support from Rajouri and Poonch but never raised the issue.” He also targeted Sajjad Lone, stating, “He enjoyed power for five years while we were being evicted and our security reduced — yet he never spoke on reservation.”
Abdullah emphasized that his administration acted promptly, submitting the reservation report within six months. “Had I intended to delay, I could’ve extended the Sub-Committee’s term. The Cabinet has now accepted the report and sent it to the law department,” he added.
The Chief Minister also voiced strong opposition to a proposed 113 km-long canal project that aims to divert surplus water from Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. “There’s a drought-like situation in Jammu. Why should I send our water to Punjab? Let us use our water first. Punjab already benefits under the Indus Water Treaty — did they share water with us when we needed it?” he questioned.
On the restoration of J&K’s statehood, Abdullah said his party is still waiting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise.
Weighing in on the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, he expressed concern over India’s stranded citizens. “Why is Israel targeting Iran when it was recently said that Iran has no active nuclear program? Around 400 Indian students have been moved to safety, but 1,600 from J&K remain stranded,” Abdullah said.
When asked about Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s recent remarks on his differences with party leadership, Abdullah declined to comment, calling it an “internal matter” of the Congress.
Abdullah also inaugurated a new Rabitta (outreach) office in Jammu to improve public access and grievance redressal, following the success of a similar setup in Kashmir. “Officers will be available here, and people can submit requests online or offline. We will strive for timely resolution,” he said.