No Order to Drop Urdu, Says Omar; Accuses PDP of Diverting Attention From Rajya Sabha Role

Srinagar, May 1, KNT: National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah on Friday firmly rejected allegations that Urdu was being removed from official use, terming the charge by the Peoples Democratic Party as “propaganda” and “misleading.”

Addressing reporters, Abdullah said there was no government order to drop Urdu, asserting that claims to the contrary were unfounded. He clarified that the administration had only invited public comments on a proposal, and no decision had been taken.

“We asked them to produce any order where Urdu has been dropped. There is none. We had merely sought public feedback on a proposal,” he said, adding that even if such a proposal had emerged, it had neither been approved nor would it be allowed to proceed.

Sharpening his attack, Abdullah accused the PDP of raising “immaterial issues” to deflect attention from its political conduct, particularly its stance during the Rajya Sabha process.

“They have no substantive issues. After helping the BJP in the Rajya Sabha, they are now attempting to divert attention by manufacturing a controversy over Urdu,” he said.

He further alleged that the PDP had historically facilitated the Bharatiya Janata Party’s political foothold in Kashmir, even as it continued to position itself in opposition.

“They are the ones who enabled the BJP’s entry into Kashmir, yet continue to claim they are resisting them,” Abdullah said.

On international developments, Abdullah pointed to the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, warning of broader economic repercussions.

“Such conflicts inevitably impact global markets. Prices of fuel, transport, and essential commodities are likely to rise,” he said. [KNT]