Omar Abdullah to Raise Statehood, Reservation, Governance Issues in Meet with Amit Shah Today

Srinagar, May 11: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said he will raise issues related to restoration of statehood, business rules, reservation and key administrative matters during his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Omar said statehood remains a consistent demand, though the process is ongoing. “Whenever we meet, I always talk about statehood,” he told reporters.

He said discussions would also cover the business rules of the Union Territory administration, the vacant post of Advocate General, and the reservation issue referred by the Lieutenant Governor to the Centre.

“I want to talk about our Business Rules, the Advocate General post, the reservation issue and many other matters with the Home Minister,” he said.

The Chief Minister also clarified his recent remarks on liquor shops, saying they were being “twisted” by political opponents. He maintained that no one is compelled to consume alcohol and such outlets cater to those whose religion permits it, including tourists and outsiders.

He stressed that no new liquor shops have been opened by his government and efforts have been made to avoid setting up outlets in areas where youth could be negatively influenced.

Omar also hit back at critics, saying similar positions had been taken by previous governments, and accused opponents of misrepresenting his statements for political gains.