In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Omar spoke about a range of issues, including the troubles within the INDIA bloc and the likelihood of a tie-up with the BJP after the assembly elections. Excerpts:
Q/What is your opinion about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s view that J&K has suffered from parivarvad (dynastic rule)?
A/The BJP has a problem with only those parivars that are opposed to it. If you are part of the BJP or the NDA, then parivarvad is not a problem. People wanted the prime minister to talk about the restoration of democracy and of statehood and other issues that concern them. They wanted to hear what was being done to improve the electricity situation after the dismal power supply in winter. The daily wagers wanted to hear about their regularisation, the youth wanted to hear about job prospects and Kashmiri migrants wanted to know about the government’s plans for them to be able to come back. On all these important points, the prime minister was strangely silent.
Q/Why are you so dismissive of the BJP’s claim about investments in J&K post the abrogation of Article 370?
A/Where is the investment? Tourism, agriculture, horticulture and handicraft are key sectors in Kashmir. Show anything new, like a new hotel? The only visible project is a mall under construction in Pulwama. If the removal of Article 370 was solely for building a mall, locals could have done that by themselves.
Q/How about the BJP’s claim of peace in Kashmir?
This story is from the March 24, 2024 edition of THE WEEK India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 24, 2024 edition of THE WEEK India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Indira's Bang
How Indira Gandhi secured the borders, ended food import, before going for the test
Who's Afraid Of A New Nuclear Doctrine?
It has been 50 years since Pokhran I. With its capabilities increasing and global power equations changing, does India need to look at reviewing its nuclear doctrine?
I don't think things will change because of the win
When independent filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light scripted history by winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, it was not just a proud moment for the film's team, but also a triumph for the collective aspirations of women across the country.
Sid for kids
As a child, Sidhartha Mallya wished he had someone in his life to tell him what he wants to convey in his latest children's book, Sad Glad
Ready to roll
Following the Pokhran tests, India has operationalised a credible deterrent that the nation should be proud of
Breaking nuclear apartheid
How India protected its ability to move ahead with the nuclear weapons programme despite not signing the NPT
Power point
The Pokhran tests launched India's march towards being a full partner and participant in the global nuclear order
Shock and awe
India’s comprehensive capability in the nuclear domain is the result of its autonomous pursuit of the atomic programme against all odds
Spied on none, stole from none
A senior scientist during the Pokhran test in 1974 and chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission during the tests in 1998, Dr Rajagopala Chidambaram has been a key figure in the Indian nuclear journey.
Leader with a difference
ARVIND KEJRIWAL'S RETURN TO JAIL APPEARS IMMINENT. BUT HIS BLISTERING POLL CAMPAIGN MAY HAVE BRIGHTENED INDIA BLOC’S PROSPECTS