Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah attacks centre over delimitation and martyr cemetery ban

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accused the BJP‑led central government of using the 2022 delimitation exercise as a “back‑door” means to rule the region, saying the increase of assembly seats from 83 to 90 was meant to weaken local parties rather than strengthen democratic representation. He charged the centre with repeatedly breaking promises to restore the state’s full status and urged the party to name any candidate who opposed the restoration during the 2024 elections.

Abdullah also condemned the temporary restriction on access to the historic martyrs’ cemetery in Srinagar, calling the officials who imposed it “guests for a few days.” He pledged that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will return to the cemetery to lay flowers and offer prayers, asserting that the sacrifices of the 1931‑era martyrs remain immortal.

Both remarks were made at a National Conference gathering in Srinagar, where party leaders joined him in condemning what he described as the centre’s attempts to undermine regional democracy.