SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday urged the Centre to restore statehood to the Union Territory without further delay, asserting that civil society across the region is united in its demand and that “it is too late to delay” any longer.
Addressing reporters, the Chief Minister said a meeting of around 170 representatives from various sections of society, including religious leaders, traders, retired bureaucrats, educationists and transporters, was convened, where participants unanimously called for the restoration of statehood.
“Everyone, without any exception, emphasised that it is too late to restore statehood. The Centre should not delay any longer,” CM Omar said, adding that his party’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20 had received the support of the civil society representatives.
The Chief Minister said a resolution had been passed urging the Government of India to restore statehood immediately. He added that invitations for the protest would be sent to all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including those currently represented in the Assembly as well as those that had been represented in the past.
He further said that National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah would write to INDIA bloc leaders and other political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
On administrative appointments, CM Omar Abdullah acknowledged that filling vacancies for doctors, teachers and lecturers was taking longer than before due to increased scrutiny by central agencies.
“Nowadays, it takes more time to fill these posts than before. I don’t remember the CID playing such a significant role in appointments during our time as it does today. More time is spent on police verification and CID clearance. But it is not in our hands,” he said, adding that appointment orders had been issued and would soon take effect.
Responding to a report claiming that 1,544 schools were functioning with a single teacher, the Chief Minister clarified that it was based on an old UDISE report and did not reflect the current situation.
The Chief Minister also said he had spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the weather-related situation in the Chenab region and Kathua.
“The Home Minister had called to enquire about the situation, and I briefed him on the ground situation,” he said.
On India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, CM Omar Abdullah reiterated his party’s long-standing opposition to the agreement but declined to comment further.
“There has been no escalation from here. India has suspended the treaty. I will not answer that question from here,” he said.
On the Shri Amarnath Yatra, the Chief Minister said the Supreme Court-mandated cap on the number of daily pilgrims was binding on the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board. Reacting to concerns over the early melting of the naturally formed ice Shiv Lingam at the holy cave, he said, “This is God’s work. Neither you nor I can decide how many days it stays.”
When asked about the shortage of manpower at SKIMS, CM Omar directed the query to the Lieutenant Governor, saying, “Because we don’t know the SKIMS files.” (KNS)
