Shazia Shah | Kashmir Pen
Srinagar, Dec 4: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday reiterated the need for restoring full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir, stating that the authority to declare public holidays currently rests with the Centre and not the elected government.
Responding to a query on whether Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s birth anniversary would be declared a public holiday, the Chief Minister said the decision does not lie with the UT administration or his government.
“The power to declare public holidays lies with the Centre, not the elected government — and this is exactly why J&K needs full statehood back,” Omar Abdullah said.
The Chief Minister added that whether or not the day is officially recognised as a holiday, the legacy of Sheikh Abdullah remains deeply embedded among the people.
“Whether a holiday is declared on Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary or not, the late leader resides in the hearts of the people,” he said.
A video clip of his statement has since gone viral across social media platforms.
— Kashmir Pen News Desk
