Omar Abdullah’s Admission Highlights the Lack of Local Control in IIOJK Governance

The recent admission by IIOJK’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, about his lack of control over the police raises serious questions about the true nature of governance in the region.

Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), has stirred controversy with his admission that he does not have control over the police in the region. This revelation has ignited debates about the legitimacy of the current governance system and the broader political landscape in IIOJK, especially after the controversial elections.

Critics and political analysts argue that Abdullah’s statement reveals a grim truth about the so-called democratic setup in the region. While the Chief Minister is typically the head of the state’s executive and holds authority over law enforcement in a functioning democracy, Abdullah’s acknowledgment that New Delhi controls the police undermines the concept of local governance. This raises fundamental concerns about the validity of the elections and the functioning of the government in the territory.

Abdullah’s remarks reflect the political realities in IIOJK, where power remains concentrated in the hands of New Delhi and its Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha. Despite holding office, Abdullah is viewed by many as a powerless figure, unable to make significant decisions for the territory. This situation highlights the lack of autonomy for local leaders, reinforcing the perception that the Indian government exercises real authority in the region.

Further complicating this narrative is Abdullah’s admission that he had no control over the banning of political groups like the Awami Action Committee (AAC) and Jammu and Kashmir Ittehadul Muslimeen (JKIM). The imposition of such bans is often directed by the Indian government, further underscoring Abdullah’s limited role in governance. Critics argue that he is merely a political figurehead serving the agendas of the BJP and RSS, rather than acting as an independent leader for the people of Kashmir.

This issue of a “powerless” Chief Minister is especially significant in the wake of the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, which stripped IIOJK of its special status and autonomy. The subsequent centralization of power in New Delhi has sparked debates about the region’s political future and the erosion of local self-governance.

Critics have also pointed to the National Conference’s (NC) failure to follow through on its election promises, which included the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, repealing the Public Safety Act, and ensuring regional peace. They argue that the party has remained silent on these crucial issues, despite having a presence in the legislative assembly with 50 MLAs. The criticism highlights the disconnect between political promises and the actual reality in IIOJK.

Further, the territorial resources, including land and forests, are under threat due to various development projects. Critics argue that these projects are part of a larger strategy by the BJP-led government to exploit the region’s resources and allow outsiders to dominate key sectors such as mining, contracts, and jobs. The local population is concerned that this exploitation will undermine their livelihoods and future prospects.

Local traders in Jammu are also facing economic hardships as the BJP-led administration continues to marginalize the indigenous population, further exacerbating the region’s economic crisis. Critics have warned that if Omar Abdullah continues to align with the BJP and fails to uphold the people’s mandate, it could have serious repercussions for his party, the National Conference, in future elections.