SRINAGAR, July 21, 2025: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has termed the July 14 incident at the Martyrs’ Graveyard as “shameful,” stating that those responsible have done “no favours to democracy” and have deeply shaken public faith in the electoral process.
Referring to the alleged manhandling of himself and party colleagues by police personnel, Abdullah said, “What happened on July 14 should never have happened. If an elected head of government can be treated this way, imagine what it means for ordinary citizens.”
He warned that the implications of the incident will be long-lasting, potentially leading to increased voter disillusionment. “Many who voted in recent elections are now questioning if it was worth it at all,” he added.
Abdullah emphasized that the issue transcends individuals: “It’s not about me—it’s about the office, the institution, and what this means for democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Criticizing the current governance model in J&K, Abdullah reiterated his long-standing view that the dual system involving both an elected government and the Lt Governor’s administration is “far from ideal.” He said discussions are ongoing to finalize long-pending business rules that clearly define power-sharing responsibilities under the J&K Reorganisation Act.
Taking a swipe at the BJP, Abdullah accused the party of political hypocrisy, stating, “Between 2015 and 2018, they were part of a government that commemorated similar events. Why didn’t they oppose it then? Because they wanted power.”
On BJP’s criticism of drawing parallels between the 1931 martyrs and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Abdullah responded, “I don’t agree with anything the BJP says or does—and they don’t agree with me. That’s democracy. That’s our political difference.”
