Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar skips Union Territory day, LG slams 'dual character'

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir is now a Union Territory and everybody must accept this reality, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said at the UT's foundation day celebrations Thursday, adding that when it becomes a state again, that day would be celebrated as well, reports Saleem Pandit.

CM Omar Abdullah , his ministers, all regional parties as well as Congress and CPI(M) stayed away from the event. The LG said, "It's unfortunate that those who took oath under the Indian constitution are opposing UT status of J&K. This reflects their dual character."

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said it's a "black day" for people of J&K as it marks "disenfranchisement and not development". Abdullah's NC called it a day of "humiliation" for people of J&K.

An NC spokesperson said, “We will never settle for UT status. Our demand is firm: full statehood ...” Speaking to media, the LG said, “Things took shape as promised by PM Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah that first would be delimitation, then assembly polls and then statehood at an appropriate time.”

He said panchayat polls couldn’t be held due to a delay in reservation of backward classes and that the administration is committed to holding the elections soon. He said J&K is set to attract investments of Rs 1 lakh crore, which is expected to create 5 lakh jobs. (With agency inputs)