Kupwara, Oct 5: Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu and Kashmir UT President and senior leader Ravinder Raina Monday said, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should focus on addressing the issues confronting the people of Jammu and Kashmir instead of repeatedly taking refuge in the demand for restoration of statehood.
Speaking to reporters in Kupwara before he left for Seemari Karnah, Raina said the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has already assured that statehood would be restored to Jammu and Kashmir, adding that the process was being pursued while security-related concerns were also being taken into consideration.
“Statehood should be restored at the earliest but certain security concerns also need to be taken into account. The matter is being addressed at the appropriate level,” Raina said.
Taking a dig at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Raina said Omar Abdullah was an elected representative and should concentrate on fulfilling the commitments made to the people. “Instead of seeking refuge in the statehood issue, the Chief Minister should address the grievances of the people and work for development,” he added.
“There was no need for Omar Abdullah to resign, instead he should use his tenure to deliver on the promises made to the people in his party’s election manifesto,” he added.
On the security situation, Raina claimed that Jammu and Kashmir was witnessing a peaceful environment, adding that stone-pelting and shutdowns have ended which was a positive sign with regard development.
Reacting to recent remarks by National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on mistakes committed by the Congress and former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Raina said the statement vindicated the BJP’s position maintained over the years. “When a senior leader like Farooq Abdullah acknowledges that mistakes were committed by the Congress and Jawaharlal Nehru, it validates what the BJP has been saying all these years,” he added.
Raina called for peace, harmony and brotherhood among people. BJP leader Javed Qureshi and other party workers were also present on the occasion.
