Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday distanced himself from the occupation of a bungalow belonging to the Jammu and Kashmir Government in Delhi by his estranged wife Payal. Referring to media reports on the issue, he said in a statement that he had responded to the State Estate officer's eviction notice as far back as June 4 this year, informing him that he was not in occupation of the bungalow in question.
“This I did, after informing my wife, whom I have been separated from for more than five years now and also after having informed her of the alternative arrangements available,” Omar said in the statement.
He was responding to media reports that said that Payal had approached Supreme Court against the eviction notice issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Government for vacating 7- Akbar Road, which is the official residence of the State Chief Minister. Requesting the media to respect his privacy, Omar said that as regards the circumstances that led to the “breakdown of my marriage, that matter is currently sub judice and awaiting adjudication in court.”