Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the Election Commission of India should convene a meeting of political parties to allay their apprehension about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
“There are apprehensions, and it will be better that the Election Commission call people like us to make us understand what SIR really is because we have seen that while you do not steal elections through machines, but they are surely manipulated,” Abdullah told reporters here on the sidelines of a passing-out parade of Agniveer Batch-06 at the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) Regimental Centre, Srinagar.
Abdullah called the 2023 delimitation in J&K a “manipulation of elections”.
“You created seven seats for political gains that led to benefiting a single party or its friends. The elections are manipulated like that. So, there are apprehensions over SIR that elections might be manipulated through SIR,” he added.
The chief minister congratulated the about 713 youth who attended the parade to enter JAKLI, which, he said, has a close relationship with J&K in that it guards the country’s borders.
On the Thursday arrival of Russian president Vladimir Putin, Abdullah said the good relations between New Delhi and Moscow go back a long way.
“We have very old and deep ties with Russia, which has time and again stood with India when conspiracies, wars and even attacks by our neighbours were carried out against India.
“Russia came forward to help India — whether it was for the supply of arms or using its veto power in the UN or the Security Council. It is a good thing that the Russian president is visiting India. It will be a good thing if our relations improve further,” he said.
Abdullah also said that if Indo-Russian relations benefit some other country, there should not be any objection.
“Our PM has a very good relationship with Putin, and if that benefits Ukraine somehow, if we can persuade Russia to tread the path of peace and end the attack on Ukraine, I think it will be everyone’s success,” he added.
Asked if the birth anniversary of National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on Friday will be a holiday, the chief minister said his government does not have the power to declare holidays.
“I wish! In the division of powers, the elected government has not been given the power to declare holidays; it is with the Centre. That is why we seek restoration of statehood so that we can make big or small decisions ourselves,” he said.
The chief minister, however, said there was no need for a holiday to remember Sher-e-Kashmir.
“You saw the best cadet was awarded a sword, which is known by the name of Sher-e-Kashmir. So, whether there is a holiday or not, someone’s stature or contribution is not lessened. People continue to remember him,” he said.
Earlier addressing the Agniveers and recruits on the passing-out parade, the chief minister said, “On this auspicious occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the Agniveers and recruits as you are going to become members of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment after passing the tough test and rigorous training of 31 weeks. You are all very fortunate to be a part of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry.”
He said Agniveer Batch-06 and JAK LI Territorial Army recruits would forever inscribe their names in the proud history of the Regiment. “You will make the name and legacy of this great regiment proud,” he added.
According to an official press release, expressing confidence in their capabilities, the chief minister said, “I not only hope but am confident that you will continue to excel beyond your abilities. You are the future of the country’s Army, and you will have a huge responsibility on your shoulders. To fulfill this responsibility, not only the Indian Army but the entire country has great expectations from you. I am sure you will fulfill all these expectations well.”
He also extended his gratitude to the families of the young soldiers. “I congratulate and thank your families and parents, who dedicated you to serve in the Army and encouraged you to join as Agniveers and recruits.”
Following the parade, the chief minister joined the Agniveers for a cup of tea and interacted with them, appreciating their spirit and dedication.
Lt. Gen. Prashant Srivastav, GoC 15 Corps; Javed Anjam, Director Airport Srinagar; V. K. Purohit, IDES, IFA HQ 15 Corps; Som Raj, Joint Director Airport Srinagar and other senior officers were present on the occasion. (With additional inputs from PTI)
