Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday took National Conference (NC) legislators, Members of Parliament and ministers to Dachigam National Park on the outskirts of Srinagar for a crucial strategy meeting amid growing political unease over the delay in restoration of statehood and other key issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting, described by Omar Abdullah as an “off-site”, was held at Dachigam National Park, nearly 22 kilometres from Srinagar and known for limited mobile network connectivity.
As NC legislators and MPs gathered at the Chief Minister’s private office on Gupkar Road in Srinagar, they were boarded onto waiting buses without being informed about the final destination, sources said. Omar Abdullah himself travelled with the group and later shared photographs from the journey on his social media handle.
“We are off for an off-site to spend the day taking stock of the last 19 months – the good, the not so good & everything in between,” Omar posted on X.
The meeting assumes significance amid increasing concern within sections of the ruling National Conference over the delay in restoration of statehood and political rights to Jammu and Kashmir following the formation of the NC-led government in October 2024.
Party insiders said the legislators were expected to deliberate on governance challenges arising from Jammu and Kashmir’s union Territory status, reservation policy, delay in restoration of statehood and other long-pending political and administrative matters. Discussions on possible expansion of the council of ministers and appointment of the Advocate General were also likely to figure in the meeting.
Independent MLAs supporting the government were also invited to attend the deliberations.
The meeting comes at a time when opposition parties, including the BJP, have claimed that the ruling National Conference is facing internal strain. Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Sunil Sharma termed the gathering as Omar Abdullah’s “floor test” to assess whether party MLAs continue to stand with him.
People’s Conference chairman and Handwara legislator Sajad Lone said, “ So this is the bombshell threatened by CM sahib. Tourist to the core. A trip to the scenic and beautiful Dachigam. Dachigam is actually symbolic for today’s congregation. It is secluded, isolated, entry is restricted. That actually sums up the state of the present government. Aloof, secluded, isolated and entry restricted.”
“A little bird told me. The MLAs have been shifted into the Wildlife area of Dachigam. And an ultimatum will be served. They will be told, “ Fall in Line” or else stay back and provide company to inhabitants of the Zoo. But the inhabitants of the zoo are apparently aghast,” Lone wrote on X.
BJP leader Sajid Yousuf Shah taunted the NC, saying holding a crucial meeting at Dachigam National Park was perhaps Omar Abdullah’s most appropriate political decision.
“After all, the gathering included NC MLAs, Ministers, Black Bears, Musk Deer, Himalayan Brown Bears, Hangul, & other rare species. Some species are struggling to survive because of nature; others because of the policies of the National Conference. Rest is history!” he said.
Meanwhile, J&K Government on Wednesday claimed that entry to Dachigam National Park remains fully open for visitors and no restrictions have been imposed on public access today.
