Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the importance of a land and its people in forging their identity and exhorted them to never let it go.
“The land of Jammu and Kashmir, a region restive for decades, must be protected by its people at all costs,” he said.
“When we talk about these matters — about the Constitution, special status, and the prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir — we are also talking about our identity. And our identity is tied to our land,” Omar said while addressing a function in Bari Brahmana area of Samba district.
“We want this land to remain ours. The land that Sheikh Abdullah with a single signature transferred to you without any compensation... Without it, what do we truly possess?” he said.
“It must not be taken away from us, and this should remain our collective effort,” he said.
Omar also paid his tributes to Dr B R Ambedkar for his contributions to the drafting of a Constitution that ensured equality between all.
Speaking at the inauguration of Dr BR Ambedkar Bhawan, constructed by the Dr BR Ambedkar Educational Society in Bari Brahmana, he highlighted the significance of land reforms in Jammu and Kashmir as a step towards empowering the oppressed.
“Dr. Ambedkar gave India its constitution, enshrining equal rights without discrimination. He tirelessly fought for the rights of marginalized communities, giving them a voice, an identity, and a sense of dignity. In Jammu and Kashmir, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah complemented his vision by implementing land reforms that restored dignity and a future to the oppressed. Land is deeply tied to identity and preserving it is essential for safeguarding our heritage and future,” the Chief Minister said.
He praised Ambedkar’s emphasis on education as a catalyst for transformation.
“The establishment of this education society in Dr. Ambedkar’s name reflects his vision. This land has been dedicated to a library, study circle and community hall instead of commercial use. These facilities will enable the youth to study Dr. Ambedkar’s works and conduct research, while also providing a space for social gatherings, for those in need,” he said.
Recalling Ambedkar’s role in framing India’s constitution, Omar noted its revolutionary principles.
“Ambedkar ensured equality from the very beginning, granting women equal voting rights at a time when many nations denied such basic rights. His vision established a foundation of justice and equality, which remains unparalleled even today,” he said.
He acknowledged the gaps in representation and stressed the need for greater efforts to realize Ambedkar’s dream of true equality.
“If Ambedkar had foreseen the underrepresentation of women in assemblies and parliament in 2025, he might have introduced reservations for women from the start. While we have made progress, with women achieving milestones like becoming prime ministers and presidents, the journey toward equality continues,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also drew attention to India’s achievements in gender equality, which surpasses those of many nations.
“In contrast to some countries that have yet to elect a woman leader, India’s strides in empowering women are a testament to Dr. Ambedkar’s vision,” he said.
Concluding his address, Omar Abdullah assured the audience that the Charter of Demands presented at the event would be given due attention.
“I assure you that every effort will be made to address your concerns and fulfill your requests,” he said.
The CM expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to inaugurate the Bhawan, describing it as a landmark institution that embodies Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals of education, equality, and progress.