Omar Abdullah Demands Full Security Control in Kashmir, Slams UT Status 

Ahmedabad, Gujarat — In a sharp political statement during his Gujarat tour, National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah demanded that the responsibility of security in the Union Territory be returned to the elected government. Speaking at a press conference in Ahmedabad after attending the Travel Expo in Gandhinagar, Abdullah also criticised the continued denial of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

“We are not some worthless people,” Abdullah said at the Hyatt Hotel. “If the people have elected us, if we are governing, then give us full responsibility—including security. Don’t treat us like second-class citizens in our own land.”

His comments come days after he skipped a security review meeting chaired by the Union Home Minister. When questioned by media about his absence, Abdullah clarified, “Security comes under the LG’s purview. That’s the reality. But I am not uninformed—I know where forces are deployed and what steps are being taken. We are reopening tourist spots cautiously, step by step.”

Abdullah’s visit to Gujarat included a symbolic morning run at the Sabarmati Riverfront and a tour of the Statue of Unity in Kevadia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to acknowledge the visit, posting, “Kashmir to Kevadia! Good to see Omar Abdullah ji enjoying his run at the Sabarmati Riverfront and visiting the Statue of Unity. His visit gives an important message of unity and will inspire Indians to travel across India.”

But Abdullah’s message was more than symbolic. He issued a stinging critique of the Union Territory status, saying, “We are the only unfortunate people in India whose state was downgraded to a Union Territory. Everywhere else, UTs are being made states. We are sitting in hope that the promise to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood will be fulfilled.”

Drawing on his experience as Chief Minister from 2009 to 2015, he highlighted the improvements in security during his tenure. “There was a visible decline in terrorist incidents and casualties among security personnel. If we are given full charge again, we will make Kashmir safer than before,” he declared.

Abdullah’s bold stance reflects growing discontent in the region over political disempowerment and the prolonged delay in statehood restoration. His demand for returning security control to the elected government adds fuel to the already simmering debate on federalism and governance in Jammu and Kashmir.