Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered a stark assessment of the region's current situation on Saturday, stating that the Union Territory model is not suitable for the region and that the year 2025 has been exceptionally difficult. In a conversation with Hindustan Times' national political editor Sunetra Choudhary, Abdullah emphasized that the Union and state governments cannot function in isolation.
A Year of Security and Economic Challenges
Omar Abdullah did not mince words when evaluating the year 2025. He stated that by any measure, it has been a tough period, primarily from a security perspective. The Chief Minister pointed to two major incidents: the devastating Pahalgam (Baisaran) attack in April 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, and the blast near Delhi's Red Fort in November 2025, which killed at least 10 people and was linked to a conspiracy hatched in Jammu and Kashmir.
He connected these security threats directly to the region's economic woes. Abdullah explained that the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam attack completely reoriented J&K's economy, dealing a severe blow to its already fragile economic foundation. "We have never been a very strong economy in the first place and these circumstances made it even more difficult," he remarked.
The Flaw in the Union Territory Model
A central theme of Abdullah's critique was the governance structure itself. He argued that the Union Territory model, in place since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, is ineffective for Jammu and Kashmir. "You cannot have an elected government that is completely removed from security-related decisions," Abdullah asserted, highlighting a key flaw in the current setup.
He stressed that governments in India, both at the centre and state levels, must work in cohesion and not in silos. His party, the National Conference, has consistently demanded the restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.
On Politics, Praise, and Electoral Concerns
Abdullah also shared his views on the broader political landscape. On the opposition INDIA bloc, he said it was currently on "life support" following its recent loss in Bihar. He claimed the bloc's actions literally pushed Bihar CM Nitish Kumar back into the NDA fold and criticized its lack of a holistic approach.
While acknowledging praise from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for his efforts to revive J&K's economy, Abdullah called for tangible financial support. "That's very kind of her, the next part of that would be Ma'am please show me the money," he stated, pointing to a shortage of funds despite helpful intentions from the Centre.
On elections, Abdullah distanced himself from claims of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) rigging but expressed concern that elections can be manipulated in other ways. He cited the delimitation exercise in J&K ahead of the 2024 assembly elections, which created seven new constituencies, as a point of concern regarding the redrawing of boundaries and voter lists.
In summary, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's comprehensive interview outlined a year marred by security threats and economic hardship for Jammu and Kashmir, coupled with a firm belief that its current constitutional status is untenable for effective and integrated governance.
