Omar Abdullah Outlines Economic Strategy and Condemns Kulgam Attack

Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah delivered a keynote address at IIMBue 2026 in Bengaluru, detailing a "slingshot" economic strategy for his region. Abdullah argued that Jammu and Kashmir should leverage the momentum of established Indian tech hubs rather than attempting to compete directly with cities like Bangalore. During his speech, he referenced the impact of agrarian reforms from the 1970s as a foundation for building a stable rural economy.

On the sidelines of the event, Abdullah condemned a terror attack in the Kellam area of Kulgam that resulted in the deaths of two non-local workers. He announced that the government would provide an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the victims.

Abdullah also addressed ongoing political tensions regarding the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. Referencing recent protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, he characterized the struggle to regain statehood as a long-drawn process.