In an effort to foster the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Nagaland Statehood Day was celebrated at Raj Bhawan in Jammu on Friday, an event that has now sparked criticism from National Conference leader and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Omar Abdullah, the former CM of erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir, expressed his disapproval through a tweet, highlighting the irony in the celebration. He stated, “Irony comes to die in J&K. Here we celebrate Nagaland Statehood Day in Raj Bhavan, Jammu while observing ‘Union Territory Day’ for J&K. Talk about rubbing salt into the wounds of the people here.”
The celebration of Nagaland Statehood Day at Raj Bhawan in Jammu is seen as part of the broader initiative of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, aimed at promoting cultural integration among states. However, Abdullah’s criticism underscores the complex and sensitive nature of such celebrations, particularly in the context of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
It may be noted that Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into J&K and Ladakh on August 5, 2019, when the Centre abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution. In this set up, the former, Jammu and Kashmir, will have a legislative assembly, the latter, Ladakh, will be administered by a lieutenant governor alone. The administration celebrated Union Territory Day on October 31.