Omar Abdullah’s Admission Exposes His Lack of Control Over Police in IIOJK

In a candid moment that reflects the limitations of his authority, Omar Abdullah, the newly-elected Chief Minister of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), admitted that he does not have control over the police, revealing the powerlessness of his position.

Omar Abdullah, who recently became the Chief Minister of IIOJK, made a shocking admission about his lack of control over the police force. This revelation came in the context of an incident where police used a lathi-charge on protesting daily wagers in Srinagar, sparking a heated debate in the IIOJK Assembly.

During a session of the IIOJK Assembly, lawmakers voiced strong criticism against the police’s use of force on daily wage workers who were protesting for the release of their wages and the regularization of their jobs. The protests had escalated as workers, frustrated by delayed payments and insecure job statuses, demanded their basic rights.

When the issue was raised in the Assembly, Omar Abdullah responded by acknowledging that the lathi-charge on the protesters was unjustified. However, in a surprising statement, he openly admitted that he had no control over the police forces in the region. He pointed out that both he and other officials present in the assembly lacked direct influence over law enforcement agencies.

“As far as the police’s treatment of the protesters is concerned, I would like to remind that unfortunately, neither you nor I have control over the police,” Abdullah said in his response to a lawmaker’s concern. His words revealed a startling reality about his role and authority, shedding light on the constraints he faces as Chief Minister in the region.

The admission has raised serious questions about the level of autonomy and power that the Chief Minister holds, especially in a region where law enforcement and security forces often play a dominant role in governance. Critics argue that such statements highlight the weakening political influence of local leaders in IIOJK, particularly after the region’s special status was revoked by the Indian government in 2019.

The incident also underscores the growing frustration among public sector workers, particularly daily wagers, who have been long-awaiting fair treatment and regularization of their jobs. Despite repeated promises by local politicians, many workers feel that their plight is being ignored, leading to protests that are often met with force, as seen in this case.

Omar Abdullah’s acknowledgment of his limited control over the police is not just a personal statement, but a reflection of broader concerns regarding the functioning of the local government under the current political setup. It further emphasizes the challenges faced by elected leaders in a region where security concerns and central government policies often override local governance.

Omar Abdullah’s public admission about his lack of control over the police is a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play in IIOJK. It raises important questions about the true extent of political autonomy in the region, especially in the wake of significant changes to its status and governance structure.