Srinagar, September 15 (Daily Kiran) : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared his perspectives on several pressing issues during a recent address in Srinagar. He discussed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) controversy, China’s commendation of India’s foreign policy, and the easing of tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
On the topic of China’s praise for India’s foreign policy, Abdullah remarked, “Our foreign policy is our own. Why should we seek validation from other countries? The risk is that if China criticizes our policy tomorrow, what will we do? Therefore, I believe we should not place too much importance on what other nations say about our foreign policy, whether it’s positive or negative.”
Regarding the UCC, Abdullah questioned the rationale behind implementing it in various states if the ruling party has a majority. He pointed out the internal disagreements within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) itself. “Reports indicate that the Janata Dal United has raised objections and stated that it will not be implemented in Bihar. If their own party members are not on board, how can they claim it should be applied nationwide? They should not take a backdoor approach but should bring it to Parliament and see if they have the numbers,” he stated.
Abdullah emphasized that if the UCC is not applicable nationwide, it cannot be considered universal. He noted that not all regions of India are governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “If it is only enforced in BJP-ruled states, it is not truly universal,” he added. He insisted that such decisions should not be made by individual states but should be determined at the national level, as representation occurs in Parliament, not at the state level.
On the reports of reduced Chinese deployment along the LAC, Abdullah welcomed any measures that lessen tensions in the region. “We understand how challenging it is for those living near the Line of Control or the LAC. Therefore, if any steps are taken to reduce deployment along the actual control line, it is a positive development. We hope that over time, conditions along the Line of Control will also improve,” he concluded.
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