Srinagar, Feb 25. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks on the post-Article 370 scenario in Kashmir have triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties.
The Chief Minister stated that the situation in the Valley has changed considerably after the abrogation of the special status, asserting that separatist politics has ended and citing Mirwaiz Umar Farooq receiving CRPF security cover as an example of the shifting landscape. He added that if the end of separatist politics has led to improvement, it is a positive development.
His comments, however, were met with scathing responses from opposition leaders. Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Lone dismissed Omar’s remarks, stating, “The film is yet to start. Brace yourselves for much more.” He further accused the Chief Minister of tacitly endorsing the abrogation of Article 370 while trying to downplay it, calling it “just the trailer for those who voted for him.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also hit out at Omar Abdullah, sarcastically posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Funny how, before elections, he insisted nothing has changed. Now he says ‘change has happened’ in J&K post-Article 370 abrogation.” The party questioned the Chief Minister’s stance, stating, “The silence of graves shouldn’t be mistaken for peace. Why are people still jailed under UAPA or accused of fake militant cases?” [KNT]
