SRINAGAR, Feb 11: Senior National Conference (NC) leader Tanvir Sadiq Tuesday said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the recent Kathua and Baramulla incidents, expressing concern that such happening could further alienate the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Last week, two incidents triggered widespread outrage in the region. In Kathua, a 26-year-old man allegedly tortured in police custody died by suicide on February 4. A day later, a truck driver was shot dead by the Army in Baramulla after allegedly failing to stop at a checkpoint.
During his meeting with Amit Shah on Monday, Omar Abdullah discussed the restoration of statehood and the overall law and order situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Omar sahib talked about the Baramulla and Kathua incidents and said that such things should not happen. He also urged for a time-bound inquiry into both incidents. At the same time, he expressed concern that such actions will only distance the people of Jammu and Kashmir rather than bringing them closer,” MLA Sadiq told reporters in Srinagar.
The NC spokesperson said the Chief Minister stressed the importance of restoration of statehood.
“He talked about unemployment, the ongoing protests by daily wagers, and other pressing issues. The key to solving major challenges today is the restoration of statehood,” Sadiq said.
He added that Abdullah also discussed the upcoming budget session, scheduled to begin on March 3 in Jammu.
“The Chief Minister spoke about the governance model here and emphasized the need for restoring statehood as soon as possible,” he said.
Sadiq also dismissed a local media report suggesting that NC President Farooq Abdullah was in Delhi for discussions with top BJP leaders.
“Farooq Abdullah sahib has not been in Delhi for the past four days meeting BJP leaders. He was in Bombay and only transited briefly through Delhi on his way there. At no point did he meet any BJP leaders,” he clarified.
“We are still against BJP’s policies. We oppose what they did in 2019,” Sadiq added. (Agencies)
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