Holiday decisions lie with Centre, says CM Omar Abdullah

Urges early restoration of J&K Statehood

KINS Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 04 (KINS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that the power to declare public holidays in the Union Territory rests with the Central government, reiterating that the elected government currently has limited authority on such matters.

Reacting to discussions around declaring an official holiday to commemorate National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Omar said the late leader’s legacy does not depend on government notifications. “Sheikh Abdullah lives in the hearts of the people regardless of whether there is an official holiday or not,” he told reporters here according to news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).

The Chief Minister also strongly pitched for the early restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, stating that only a full-fledged elected government can take independent decisions on issues such as public holidays and administrative policies.

“Statehood should be restored at the earliest so that the elected government can function with complete authority and fulfill the aspirations of the people,” Omar added. (KINS)