CM warns against political interference in Ratle project

Srinagar, Dec 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that the power projects under execution in Jammu and Kashmir were of national importance and warned that any political or other interference in their implementation would be viewed seriously, and called for firm action by law-enforcing agencies against those obstructing construction works.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an official function here, the Chief Minister was responding to reports that the company executing the Ratle Hydroelectric Power Project in Kishtwar district had threatened to pull out, alleging interference by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA).

He said there should be absolutely no political interference in such projects, stressing that they were critical not only for Jammu and Kashmir but for the entire country.

CM Omar said that had such allegations been levelled against any of his ministers, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) would have already initiated action, including raids.

“These are projects of national importance and no interference should be allowed,” he said, adding that while the name of one MLA had surfaced in connection with the Ratle project, two opposition MLAs were allegedly interfering in multiple power projects across Kishtwar district.

The CM also highlighted the ongoing governance challenges, noting that several departments were yet to be transferred to the elected government.

“I am the power minister, but the Power Development Corporation is still not with the elected government,” he said, pointing to structural issues affecting effective administration.

On national and international issues, CM Omar condemned the recent terror attack in Sydney, describing it as shameful and reiterating that no religion permits the killing of innocent people. He paid tribute to the civilian who confronted the attacker, saying the individual’s courage helped save many lives.

About tourism, the CM said that the government was making sustained efforts to revive the sector, though challenges persist.

He acknowledged that flight ticket cancellations and high airfares continue to affect tourist inflow.

CM Omar said the revival of tourism was closely linked to snowfall in key destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg, especially during the Christmas and New Year period.

He said that several promotional initiatives were underway, including the forthcoming annual convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India in Srinagar.

On the issue of airfares, the CM said the problem was being faced across the country despite directives from the Centre to regulate ticket prices following airline disruptions.

He said that J&K was also suffering due to the situation.

Addressing security-related matters, CM Omar said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had completed its probe into the Pahalgam attack and presented the chargesheet in the NIA court in Jammu.

“The decision will be taken by the court. Who is guilty and who is innocent will be decided by the law,” he said.

Responding to a query about a local issue involving MLA Chadoora Ali Muhammad Dar, the CM said that the matter had been taken up before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and would be resolved through coordination between the MLA and the local administration.

On the industrial front, he reacted to the Centre’s statement in Parliament that there was no proposal at present to extend the New Industrial Policy (NIP) 2021 or provide additional incentives for industries in J&K.

CM Omar said the J&K government remains in continuous engagement with the Centre, particularly the Ministry of Finance, to seek enhanced support.

“The amount that was kept under the policy has been exhausted. We are trying with the Centre, especially the Ministry of Finance, to increase this amount, but so far we have not been able to convince them. However, our efforts are continuing,” he said.

Earlier, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, informed the Rajya Sabha that the Centre currently has no proposal to extend the New Industrial Policy 2021 or announce additional incentives for industries in J&K, a position that has raised concerns among stakeholders about future industrial growth in the region.