Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said he is expecting the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir in the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament.
“National Conference will not go on strike at least till the Monsoon session is ongoing. We are expecting something in this session. If there is no progress on statehood restoration, then we will discuss that thereafter,” he told reporters here at the sidelines of a function.
Regarding today’s encounter in Srinagar, he termed the reports of the killing of a terrorist involved in the recent Pahalgam attack as a positive development, asserting that security forces, including police and Army, have been pursuing terrorists since the attack took place. “If anyone among those involved has been killed today, it’s a good thing,” he said.
Appreciating the discussion on Operation Sindoor in Parliament, Omar said the Pahalgam attack must also be discussed.
“When the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has admitted intelligence and security failures, it is imperative to discuss who has been held accountable,” he said.
Earlier, speaking at the inauguration event of the Van Mahotsav 2025 celebrations organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department at Abhinav Theatre, Abdullah said that climate change is real, and the signs are all around.
“The earth and our environment are a heritage we must pass on to the next generations—if not improved, at least preserved in our lifetime,” he said, adding that let’s find joy in planting trees and gifting plants and calling on people to transform the festival into a vibrant people’s movement.
The event was marked by broad community participation, including tribal members, students, and citizens across the Union Territory.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the actions today would have repercussions long afterwards. “There needs to be a check on greed; only our needs must be met. Uncontrolled deforestation must stop”, he said.
“Genuine afforestation efforts are required to produce results that matter, not just statistics,” he added and said that the development is a need, but it should be judicious.
“There must be a balance, development carried out with sincere concern for the environment. For every tree uprooted, a hundred must be planted,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve, the Chief Minister said that the administration will ensure the benefits of the Forest Rights Act and minor forest produce reach every intended beneficiary.
Addressing the youth and tribal communities, he celebrated the enduring value of trees and the importance of collective stewardship.
The ceremony also witnessed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah handing over appointment letters to newly selected candidates in the Forest Department and felicitating individuals and organizations for their environmental contributions. UNI
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