KL Report
SRINAGAR
Jammu and Kashmir Home Minister Sajjad Kichloo resigned from the state ministry on Monday following the communal clashes in Kishtwar. Kichloo sent his resignation to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah after opposition parties alleged that he was in Kishtwar during the violence and his resignation has been accepted by the state. 
“I have received Sajjad Kichloo’s resignation asking to be relieved of his responsibilities pending the outcome of the judicial inquiry. I am forwarding the same to the Hon. Governor with the recommendation that it be accepted,” Abdullah posted on micro blogging site Twitter.
As per a statement from Governor’s office, the resignation of Kichloo has been accepted.
Meanwhile, the J&K government has ordered a judicial probe into the violence. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has assured that the probe will be done in a time-bound manner. The state government has also called an all-party meeting at 3 pm on Monday.
Curfew is on in seven districts of Jammu – after a bandh was called by the BJP in the area. However, the curfew in Udhampur has been relaxed on Monday.
However Ex MOS Home Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo held a Press Conference at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu in which he has said that some political parties are trying to malign his image and blame him for the incident.
As per a statement Kichloo has said, “I am innocent. I have done no wrong, my conscious is clear, my electorate of Kishtwar vouch for my secular credentials and I am deeply hurt that for petty political ends some people have stooped so low as to accuse me of something I have not done.”
He has also said that he wants the truth should come out. “Hon’ble Chief Minister as I said has ordered a judicial probe. My conscience does not allow me to continue as a Minister till probe files its findings.”
He also informed that he has taken the decision after consulting his party colleagues so that his presence does not cast a shadow on an independent probe.
