Srinagar, Jan 2 (Reporter) J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday hoped that Union Territory status is only a temporary phase and expressed optimism for a swift return to statehood. He called for the timely restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, emphasizing the central government's promise to the people of the region. The chief minister made these remarks while addressing the media in Srinagar, marking his first press interaction since assuming office as the Chief Minister of the Union Territory. "We hope that the UT status of Jammu and Kashmir is a temporary phase—it’s only a matter of time," he said. The chief minister pointed out the active participation of the people of J&K in the Assembly elections , which received praise from the country’s leadership for exceeding expectations. "The people of Jammu and Kashmir took part in the elections with hope, and now they expect something in return," he remarked. Omar underscored the significance of the central government’s commitment to restoring statehood. “We hope it will not take long. A year has passed since the Supreme Court’s verdict on Article 370, which had stated that statehood should be restored as soon as possible. A year, in our view, is sufficient for such a commitment,” he asserted. When asked as to why he didn’t take a legal recourse for seeking statehood after winning a massive mandate in Assembly polls, Omar said through the courts remains an option, it should be the last resort. “Going to the court for statehood would be a fight, but our first option is to remind the central government of their promises. We retain the right to approach the courts if necessary,” he said. Omar reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir and striving for the restoration of their rights and dignity. "We are here to serve the people, and we hope the central government honors its word without further delay." The Chief Minister Omar said the “dual centres” of the governance in J&K model does not benefit anyone. “Obviously, the dual centres of power are not to anyone’s advantage. If dual systems of power were effective tools of governance, you would see it everywhere. …Systems work better when there is single point of command,” he said. Omar said there has been “one or two areas where there has been differences of opinion” on some issues with the Raj Bhavan as to whose authority this was, but not on the scale at which it is being speculated. The chief minister said the business rules for the government would be framed after proper consultations Omar shared insights into the challenges and adjustments involved in governing Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory (UT), while reaffirming his commitment to delivering on election promises. “It took a little time to adjust. I thought it would be very difficult to understand and work in these circumstances. But the circumstances are what they are, and I think we started in the right way,” he remarked. Omar also reassured the public of his government’s dedication to fulfilling the promises made during the election campaign. On a recent protest led by ruling National Conference Member Parliament Rahullah Mehdi over the reservation issue, Omar said that it as a sign of democratic openness. “The protest outside my gate reflects that we are not afraid of people or their concerns. It is their right to voice emotions, and we are here to listen,” Omar said, adding that such democratic practices were once unthinkable. Speaking on the issue of reservation, Omar highlighted the establishment of a Cabinet Sub-Committee to address the matter. He also stressed the need to prioritize safeguarding local jobs and land from external claims before addressing disputes between open and reserved categories. “Whether open or reserved, the bigger danger is losing our jobs and land to outsiders,” he remarked. Omar urged his MPs to lead similar protests during the upcoming Parliament session, calling for collaboration with other parties to demand the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. On BJP claims that J&K issue has been resolved after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, Chief Minister Omar the Kashmir issue remains unresolved. “If we assume for a minute that the Kashmir issue has been resolved forever. One part of Jammu and Kashmir is on the other side of the border. When the BJP says that the Kashmir issue has been resolved forever, do we believe that the issue of the other part of Jammu and Kashmir has also been resolved? Obviously not. The Kashmir issue is still there. We can debate it on either side of the border. But the issue has not been resolved forever,” Omar said, adding they want the issue to be resolved be. On the pre-poll election promise of free electricity, Omar said they will be able to provide 200 units for free only if meters are installed. “When we roll out this scheme in March or April, only those will benefit who have meters installed,” he said...////...