Jammu: Asserting that militancy in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be finished without the support of people, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said his government is extending support to the Union Home Ministry to ensure the security situation remains peaceful in the union territory.
“Though it (security) is directly not our responsibility, I am repeatedly saying that militancy cannot be finished without the support of the people. The elected government is making attempts and is supporting (Lt Governor) to keep the situation under control and maintain peace,” the chief minister told reporters outside Assembly here before the start of the day’s business.
He was responding to a question on the ongoing anti-terrorist operation in Sanyal near the International border in Hiranagar sector of Kathua district.
“Such things have happened in the past as well and as far as my information is concerned, no contact was established (with terrorists). The search and cordon operation launched on the basis of suspicious movement is going on and let us see how the situation develops,” Abdullah said.
He said the operation is taking place in a border village and it is possible that they have come from across the border.
“Making any statement on this right away will be premature. Let us see how the situation develops,” he said.
Asked about frequent targeting of Kathua and Billawar by terrorists, the chief minister said many areas of Jammu belt have seen terror activities over the past couple of years as “we have seen it in Rajouri and Poonch and several other areas, and their attempt is disturbing peace”.
Commenting on Waqf (Amendment) bill, CM said the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill across the country are understandable as only a particular religion is being “targeted”.
“Charitable activities are linked to all religions and Muslims carry out these through Waqf. When a particular religion is targeted, there will be tension,” he told reporters outside the Assembly.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Sunday announced a nationwide agitation against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, with large sit-ins planned in front of the state assemblies in Patna and Vijayawada on March 26 and 29, respectively, as part of the first phase of the protest.
Parliament’s joint committee has submitted its report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Though not listed yet, there is speculation that the proposed legislation could be brought for passage in Parliament during the ongoing Budget session.
The 31-member panel on the Bill, after multiple sittings and hearings, suggested several amendments to the proposed legislation even as the opposition members disagreed with the report and submitted dissent notes.
The 655-page report was submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on January 30.
The joint committee adopted the report that contained changes suggested by members of the ruling BJP by a 15-11 majority vote. The move prompted the opposition to dub the exercise an attempt to destroy Waqf boards.
The Bill was referred to the joint committee on August 8 last year, following its introduction in the Lok Sabha by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
