Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that he follows the same political position in Delhi and Kashmir, stating that he acknowledges the Centre’s support where it exists and speaks openly where it has failed, particularly on the issue of statehood.
Speaking to reporters at Nowgam Railway Station, Omar rejected allegations of speaking differently at different places and said his position has remained unchanged. “I say this here and I say this everywhere. I am not one of those people who play politics and deceive people,” he said.
The Chief Minister said he openly states both support and shortcomings of the central government. “Where the central government has helped, I say that. Where the central government has been lacking, I say that too,” he said.
On the issue of restoration of statehood, Omar said the Centre has not addressed the demand. “I have said that the central government has not given us anything other than complaints on the issue of statehood,” he said.
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Omar said he would not make false statements to satisfy anyone. “It would be wrong for me to lie to keep someone’s heart,” he said.
Omar also said he has raised the issue at all platforms. “I have said this in meetings, programmes and in the Assembly in Srinagar and Jammu. I have said this again and again,” he said.
Criticising the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi-linked scheme with the G. Ramji bill, Omar said removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name was wrong and asked how such a name could be used for a bill.
He said that after the change, the responsibility of the scheme was shifted to the states and that this would affect states like Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar said several changes have been made and that states like his would not benefit.
On snowfall preparedness, the Chief Minister said the administration has completed arrangements across both divisions. “I myself came to Srinagar and took a meeting. Both divisions, Kashmir division and Jammu division, especially areas where snowfall is expected, all districts of the Valley and mountainous areas of Jammu, the administration has made all the preparations on its own,” he said.
He said the adequacy of preparations will be known once snowfall begins.
“Whether the preparations are enough or not, we will find out tomorrow when the snowfall will begin,” he said.
The Chief Minister said people should not complain if difficulties arise. “Even if we face difficulties due to snowfall, I don’t think anyone should complain because we have been waiting for this snow,” he said.
He said snowfall will help reduce pollution and support winter tourism. “This will make the air cleaner. The pollution that we saw will stop and the winter tourist season will begin,” he said.
Omar said the administration has acted in advance. “We have made all the preparations on our own,” he added. (KNS)
