To prove supremacy over militants, hold elections in J&K: Omar

NC leaders offering prayers for Begum Akbar Jehan on death anniversary at Hazratbal in Srinagar on Thursday. -Excelsior/Shakeel
NC leaders offering prayers for Begum Akbar Jehan on death anniversary at Hazratbal in Srinagar on Thursday. -Excelsior/Shakeel

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 11: National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah today said that in order to prove the supremacy of security forces over militants, Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir should be held in time.

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Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of a party function at Hazratbal here on the death anniversary of Begum Abdullah, Omar said there is no normalcy in J&K.
“There is no normalcy. But, is the situation worse than 1996? If yes, then let them not conduct the elections. If they want to bow down before these powers who are attacking, then don’t conduct the election. If you have to prove the supremacy of the militancy, rather than proving the supremacy of our armed forces and police, then don’t conduct the elections,” he said.
The NC leader said if the government has courage, then elections should be conducted.
“If you don’t have the courage, and are afraid, then don’t. But, if you have to show the supremacy of our police and forces, if our rulers have some courage, then why should they bow down before these powers. Then elections should be conducted in time, and the people of J&K should choose their own government,” he added.
Asked about the BCCI’s decision not to send cricket team to Pakistan to play there, Abdullah said this is not something new.
“We have not witnessed a bilateral series in either country for many years now. It is the BCCI’s own decision whether to send the team to play a tournament,” he said.
The NC leader said it is not the responsibility of our country alone to improve the relations between the two countries.
“The responsibility of Pakistan on improving the relations is much more, it should stop the attacks, the prevalent atmosphere should improve. Pakistan has to play its role in improving the relations between the two countries,” he added.
To a question on NEET examination, Omar said there should be a decision on the exam sooner.
“It is a grave injustice with the future of the youth. We hope a decision is taken soon whether it is by way of an inquiry, or court or the government,” he said.
He said the party would bring out a comprehensive package for women in its manifesto for the elections.
“A lot has to be done to give them a status in the society, and a share in the development of J-K. We are formulating a scheme, a package for women in our manifesto,” he added.