Don’t trust verbal promises of Centre: Omar Abdullah tells Ladakh leaders
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has advised Ladakh leaders to demand written agreements from the Centre rather than relying on verbal promises. This follows ongoing skepticism from Ladakh representatives regarding the implementation of special status provisions.
Why it matters
The statement reflects the high-stakes political tension regarding regional autonomy and the credibility of central government negotiations in sensitive border regions.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) advised Ladakh leaders “not to trust verbal promises of the Centre.”
“I can advise them (Ladakh leaders) as a friend and elder brother: Do not trust the verbal promises of the Centre. We have suffered it on the demand of Statehood. We were promised Statehood immediately after the assembly elections. Around two years have already passed,” Mr. Abdullah said.
The J&K Chief Minister made a hand-folded appeal to agitating Ladakh leaders “to seek a signed and a written affidavit” from the Centre. “Till Ladakh does not have anything in writing, they will not achieve anything,” Mr. Abdullah said.
His statement came following the September 9 talks between Ladakh representatives, including members of socio-religious organisations of Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), and the Centre.
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