Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday claimed that revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir has not ended the bloodshed in the union territory, and said those responsible for security should be made accountable.
“We want this cycle (of violence) to stop. Jammu and Kashmir, especially Kashmir, has witnessed so much bloodshed in the last 30-35 years. We were told that this will not happen now and this cycle will end after 2019. But, it has not,” Abdullah told reporters in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
The Centre on August 5, 2019 abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution that gave special status to J&K. The erstwhile state was also bifurcated and downgraded into two Union territories – J&K, and Ladakh.
The chief minister said those responsible for the security in J&K should be made accountable.
“You will have to ask those responsible for our security as to why it (violence) has not ended. That responsibility does not lie in our hands,” he added.
While highlighting the security concerns, Abdullah said there is an incident of violence happening somewhere or the other.
“If a bomb is not exploding in Delhi, then it goes off here,” he said referring to the recent car blast near the Red Fort in Delhi, and Friday’s accidental blast in Nowgam Police station here.
He lamented that innocent people were losing their lives in such incidents.
Meanwhile, the chief minister today met the families of two more victims who lost their lives in the accidental explosion at Nowgam Police Station, extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
According to an official; press release, at Chancer village in Kulgam, the chief minister visited the home of Arshid Ahmad Shah and expressed his deepest sympathies to the grieving family. He assured them that the government stands firmly with them in this hour of immense pain.
Later, the chief minister went to Hariparigam, Tral, where he met the family of Javid Mansoor Rather. He offered condolences and shared moments of solidarity with the bereaved members, conveying that no words can ease the loss they have suffered.
During his interaction, the chief minister consoled both families, offering words of comfort and reassurance. He emphasised that while no amount can compensate for the precious lives lost in the unfortunate accident, the government will extend every possible assistance to help the affected families rebuild their lives.
The chief minister was accompanied by Sakina Itoo and other senior officers.
Pertinently, yesterday Abdullah had visited the families of Aijaz Afzal Mir at HMT Zainakote, Mohammad Amin Mir at Bemina, and Showkat Ahmad Bhat at Qamarwari, all members of Forensic Science Laboratory team, Suhail Ahmad Rather at Natipora (revenue department chowkidar), and Mohammad Shafi Paray at Wanabal (tailor), who lost their lives in the Nowgam blast on Friday.
An accidental blast in Nowgam police station on Friday had left nine dead and 32 injured.
Among the deceased were six policemen — State Investigation Agency Inspector Israr Ahmad Shah, Selection Grade Constables Rather and Shah (both Crime Branch photographers), Selection Grade Constable Aijaz Afzal Mir and Constables Mohammad Amin Mir and Showkat Ahmad Bhat (all three working with the Forensic Science Laboratory).
Naib Tehsildar Muzaffar Ahmed Khan, Chowkidar of the area Suhail Ahmad Rather, and Mohammad Shafi Parray, a tailor, were the other persons killed in the blast. (With additional inputs from PTI)
Entrepreneurship is driving force of J&K’s future growth: CM
Inaugurates J&K Trade Fair in Kulgam
Kulgam, Nov 19: Underlining the importance of entrepreneurship for J&K’s future growth, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated a two-day J&K Business & Trade Fair organised by the District Administration Kulgam in collaboration with Mission YUVA.
The fair aims to promote entrepreneurship and provide a platform for business innovation and growth for businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, an official press release said.
It said after formally inaugurating the event, the chief minister inspected various stalls established by entrepreneurs and business establishments. He interacted with the participants and lauded their contribution towards promoting business enterprises and generating livelihood opportunities in the district.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister said that while the government is working to create jobs, it is not possible to provide government employment to everyone. Therefore, it is essential to create self-employment avenues, and schemes like Mission YUVA have been devised to fulfill this objective.
He emphasised that banks must ensure smooth disbursement of cases under various entrepreneurship schemes and assured budding entrepreneurs of all possible support from the government. He added that the aim of Mission Youth is to empower young people to explore innovative ideas, build sustainable businesses, contribute to the region’s economic progress, and evolve into job creators.
The chief minister noted that trade fairs play a crucial role in strengthening the economy by offering emerging entrepreneurs opportunities to showcase their talent, connect with wider markets, and expand their business networks.
During the event, the Chief Minister visited entrepreneur stalls, business units, and departmental exhibits and interacted with the participants. He also distributed sanction letters to beneficiaries under Mission YUVA scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, said that youth are actively participating in entrepreneurship schemes. She informed that many beneficiaries have already been identified and numerous cases approved. She stressed the need for smooth processing of cases to maximise the benefits and urged youth to avail themselves of these opportunities.
MLA Kulgam, M.Y. Tarigami encouraged young people to seize every opportunity to build prosperous and progressive lives.
The programme was attended by Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo; DDC chairperson Kulgam, Mohammad Afzal Parrey; MLA Kulgam, M.Y. Tarigami; MLA Devsar, Peerzada Feroz Ahmad; Secretary Labour and Employment, Kumar Rajiv Ranjan; Secretary in Information Department, Muneer Ul Islam; DDC Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan; Mission Director, Mission YUVA, Shadab Aalam; other senior officers; representatives of business organisations; entrepreneurs; and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Capacity-building completion certificates were distributed, Mission YUVA sanction letters were handed over to beneficiaries, and MoUs were exchanged between Mission YUVA and ONDC.
