Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, a senior leader of the newly-elected Omar Abdullah-led National Conference (NC) government in Jammu and Kashmir, criticized the Union Territory (UT) Foundation Day, labeling it a day of “humiliation” for the people of J&K and announced the party’s decision to boycott the celebration.
He began by extending Diwali wishes to everyone in the country, expressing hope for better days ahead for the Union Territory in 2025. In an interview with IANS, Bashir Ahmad remarked: “Firstly, I would like to convey my best wishes to all during this auspicious Diwali, and I pray that this joyous festival brings hope and improvement in the upcoming year. However, the UT Foundation Day signifies humiliation for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir.”
On the NC’s boycott of the UT Foundation Day, he stated, “This day marks the beginning of distress for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and it has no significance for them; it only benefits officials and the bureaucracy. The day J&K was designated as a UT will forever be remembered in history.”
He emphasized the need for unity to address the people’s concerns, whether in government or opposition. Bashir Ahmad pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have mentioned ‘appropriate time’ for discussing statehood, implying that it could be any time they choose. He insisted that the people’s mandate should be honored and urged for the swift restoration of statehood to allow the elected government to operate effectively.
The first Assembly session for the UT is scheduled for November 4, which will last four to five days, featuring question-and-answer rounds among Assembly members. According to the NC leader, this session will serve as an inaugural ceremony without any official business, with discussions focused mainly on the upcoming Budget session.