Omar Abdullah’s Inaugural Directives as Chief Minister: No More Green Corridors

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken a notable step by instructing the police in the Union Territory to dispense with “green corridors” and avoid halting traffic for his road travels. This directive was among his first actions following his oath-taking ceremony on Wednesday. Mr. Abdullah pressed upon his Cabinet to engage in “people-friendly” conduct, emphasizing that their primary objective is to serve without causing public inconvenience.

In a statement shared on social media, Abdullah articulated, “I have spoken to the DG that there is to be no ‘green corridor’ or traffic stoppage when I move anywhere by road. I have instructed him to minimize public inconvenience and the use of sirens is to be minimal.” The leader of the National Conference urged for a reduction in any aggressive road behavior such as waving sticks or gestures.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, administered by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Alongside Abdullah, Surinder Kumar, an MLA from Nowshera, assumed the role of the Deputy Chief Minister. Despite the Congress’s absence from the state Cabinet, various dignitaries such as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other INDIA bloc leaders attended the event.

The National Conference-Congress alliance, powering Abdullah’s leadership, secured a majority in the assembly elections, claiming 48 out of 90 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party showcased a strong performance with 29 seats, while the Peoples' Democratic Party captured three. Other parties such as People's Conference, CPI-M, AAP, and Independents also marked their presence in the Assembly.

Omar Abdullah, who leads the National Conference-dominated administration, has received support from groups within the INDIA alliance, including several independents. This marks a significant step in the political developments of Jammu and Kashmir, as it is the first election conducted post the abrogation of Article 370. Abdullah, known for his tenure from 2009 to 2015, assumed office again, promising that the status as a Union Territory would ideally be temporary.