Srinagar, Oct 27: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that his optimism about the restoration of J&K’s statehood was “gradually fading” as the wait stretches longer than expected.

However, he said that while his faith may have weakened with time, it had not vanished completely.

“I was hopeful from the first day, and though my optimism has dipped a little, it still exists,” CM Omar told reporters after the second day of the ongoing Assembly session.

“The longer this delay continues, the more hope fades. It’s human nature. But it’s only been a year; hope still remains,” he said.

However, the CM did not comment on reports suggesting he might step down if statehood was not restored within a set time frame.

“I have nothing more to say about that,” he said.

CM Omar said that seekin

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