Will restore 'Wazir-e-Azam', 'Sadr-e-Riyasat': Omar

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Monday that the National Conference will bring back the nomenclature 'Wazir-e-Azam' (Prime Minister) and 'Sadr-e-Riyasat' (Governor) in the state.

Addressing a party gathering in Bandipora district, Abdullah said: "Jammu and Kashmir is not like other states of India. We didn't come for free. We made conditions and ensured that our separate identity is preserved.

"We got guarantees incorporated into the Constitution. We ensured that we have a flag and a Constitution of our own.

"Does any other state of India have its own flag and constitution? We extended our hand of friendship on certain conditions which were agreed to.

"We have got it included in the Constitution that we have our own 'Wazir-e-Azam' (Prime Minister) and 'Sadr-e-Riyasat' (head of state). These were later removed by them. God willing, we will get this nomenclature back.

"After 70 years, you (Centre) are telling us we will withdraw Article 370 and Article 35A. If you speak of removing these articles, then you will have to revisit the entire issue of state's accession to India."

Abdullah's strong statement came on Monday in response to remarks by BJP President Amit Shah who said that removing Article 35A was on the BJP's agenda and that it would be scrapped in 2020.

--IANS

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