July 22, 2025: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed the manhandling incident on July 14 as “shameful”, saying people behind this have done “democracy no favours” as such episodes deeply erode public faith in the electoral process.
Abdullah also spoke about his long-held view that the current dual model of governance in Jammu and Kashmir is “not an ideal form of government”.
The events of July 14 were regrettable. The incident at the Martyrs' Graveyard in which he and his party colleagues were allegedly mistreated by police, Abdullah said, "should never have happened." Abdullah cautioned that the “implications and its ramifications will be felt long after” and said if “an elected head of government is being treated that way, imagine what that means for the regular citizens”.
He voiced deep concern that the incident could lead to widespread disillusionment among voters. “Already I know for a fact that there are people who voted in the last two elections who are today asking themselves whether it was worth voting at all,” he said.
"It's not about me, and it's not about the person. It’s about the office, it’s about the institution, it’s about the implications. And none of this bodes well for Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah said. He also took a dig at the BJP, highlighting what he perceived as hypocrisy. Between 2015 and 2018, he claimed, a government led by the BJP commemorated similar events. "Why didn't they say all of this at the time? because they desired power's benefits. So, what does that reveal about their ideology and commitment? he asked.
Abdullah stated, "I don't agree with anything the BJP says or does," in response to the BJP's criticism of his comparison of the 1931 martyrs to those killed by Britishers at Jallianwala Bagh. Additionally, they disagree with my actions. Which is suitable. Our politics are different because of that. Abdullah also spoke about the ongoing discussions between his government and the Lt Governor’s administration aimed at resolving operational differences, particularly concerning the long-awaited “business rules” that would clearly delineate powers and responsibilities within the Union territory’s governance structure.
He said that his government has not overstepped its boundaries under the J&K Reorganisation Act and has not sought to intrude into the LG’s expressly defined domains.