Don’t allow inimical forces to vitiate atmosphere in J&K: CM

Jammu, Mar 5: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reiterated that the people should maintain peace and should not allow the forces trying to take advantage of the situation (unfolding after Iran developments) to disrupt peace and vitiate the atmosphere in J&K.

“Yesterday, we held a meeting with the (members of) civil society and some religious leaders in Srinagar. After the meeting, we issued an appeal as well urging the people to maintain peace. We appealed to the people not to take law into their own hands. At the same time, it was urged that those inimical forces or elements who want to vitiate the atmosphere in J&K and make efforts in this regard off and on – they should not be allowed to take advantage of this situation to disturb peace and vitiate atmosphere,” CM Omar asserted.

He was responding to media queries after addressing a startup outreach programme organised under JKCIP at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu), jointly organised by the University and the Agriculture Production Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

When the Chief Minister’s comment was elicited about the US’ attack on Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean while it was returning from India, the Chief Minister described it as an unfortunate development.

“It is deplorable. This is an unfortunate development. (Those on) Iran’s warship were our (India’s) guests. They had come here (in India) for a naval exercise. It (warship) was attacked when it was returning from here. In a way (as the development suggests), our country is also being dragged into it. However, what will happen in the future – to comment on that is beyond my jurisdiction,” he said.

In the same breath, the Chief Minister asserted that the developments were worrisome for people of J&K. “But here (in J&K), the people are worried as many citizens of J&K are currently in Iran. Many J&K students are stuck there. We are coordinating with the central government in chalking out a programme to bring them back. We hope that we will be able to bring all of them back home gradually and safely,” he stated.

Responding to a question about the voting underway as part of general election in India’s neighbouring country Nepal – the maiden election after explosive Gen Z protests there last year overthrowing K P Sharma Oli-led government, CM Omar welcomed the development. “This is good (development). Elections should be held. In a democracy, how can you form a government without (holding) elections? As per the information I’ve gained through newspapers, a new leader has emerged there in Nepal. Let’s see what the people of Nepal decide.”

With regard to a question about the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, holding the distinction of being the longest serving Chief Minister of state, filing nomination paper for Rajya Sabha seat, the Chief Minister said, “Though it’s an internal matter of Bihar government and its allies yet Nitish Kumarji was once our ally as well in I.N.D.I.A. Bloc. Now he has decided to move to Rajya Sabha, within three months after (Bihar assembly) election. Anyway, he has taken this call. He has served the people of Bihar for such a long time. We thank him for that. At the same time, we extend our best wishes to him for a productive inning in Rajya Sabha. We (National Conference), too, have our three colleagues at Rajya Sabha. I will tell them to meet Nitish Kumarji there (in RS) occasionally.”

Responding to queries about the significance of event held at SKUAST-Jammu, he revealed, “We have our three flagship programmes like under HADP (Holistic Agriculture Development Programme) and JKCIP (Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project), (we take initiative) to develop a vibrant start-up culture in agriculture and allied services.”

“Alongside under “Mission Yuva”, (we take steps) to nurture and promote zest and commitment among our youth for entrepreneurship, innovation-driven enterprises and their (youth’s) hand-holding with an objective to support them (enterprising youth). These are some of the significant projects or programmes of (J&K) government and which we have already rolled out,” he said.

The Chief Minister maintained that under those specified programmes, a lot of money was infused in J&K’s educational institutions. “Particularly if we talk about SKUAST (both in Kashmir and Jammu), they have started receiving funding from the J&K government under these programmes or projects. It has helped the universities and improved the extension works a lot,” CM Omar said.