Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said a number of pending matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir continue to figure in his discussions with the Centre, with restoration of statehood and changes in the business rules among the issues taken up with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Speaking to media here on Monday, Omar Abdullah said he is in constant touch with Shah on matters that require the Centre’s intervention.
“I am in constant communication with the home minister. There are several issues between Jammu and Kashmir and the central government that are discussed,” he said.
The chief minister said Jammu and Kashmir and the Centre have pending issues, such as restoration of statehood, approval of business rules, the appointment of the advocate general delayed for almost two years now, and the reservation report that has not been forwarded to the Union government after the Union Territory cabinet answered the queries raised earlier.
“Discussions are held on all these issues,” Abdullah said when asked about his recent meeting with Shah in New Delhi.
Asked about the medical intern’s agitation, Omar said the issue is to be sorted out by the Health department and that he would like to see the matter resolved quickly. He also acknowledged that the continuing protest was having a bearing on the interns’ internship and work.
“It is unfortunate that this has dragged on for so long. It is for the health department to take a decision and before that happens, no other department can act,” he said.
Abdullah said Health Minister Sakina Ittoo is in touch with the protesting interns and has given them some assurance.
“Beyond that, you will have to ask Sakina. We would like to see this issue resolved at the earliest. It is in no one’s interest as work is suffering and so is the internship of these students,” he added.
The interns, who have been protesting for several days over the stipend demand, stepped up their agitation on Monday by beginning a hunger strike.
To a question about demolition of a mosque in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur, the National Conference (NC) leader said it is unfortunate that Muslims are being treated as the “other entity” in the country.
“Their leaders make statements that Muslims are an inseparable part of the society but on the ground, these things happen. They do not listen to their own leaders,” he said.
