Omar brings J&K statehood resolution to assembly, autonomy mention sparks BJP furore

SRINAGAR: Chief minister Omar Abdullah brought Friday an assembly resolution seeking restoration of full statehood for J&K, but an autonomy reference ignited a BJP backlash, with its members ripping up copies amid anti-national chants directed at the governing National Conference (NC).The contentious reference came as the document cited an autonomy resolution passed by the assembly in June 2000 when J&K was a state.For nearly two years, Omar has called on the Centre to restore statehood. Soon after taking office, his cabinet passed a resolution to this effect. NC legislators argued that the Centre’s lack of movement forced the party to bring the resolution to the assembly.Omar echoed the sentiment, saying it seems the cabinet was not seen as the sole voice of the people by the Centre, while the legislature represents a broader political spectrum as it includes parties outside govt. “Statehood is not about govt or my family.