- Rohingyas should be sent back if Centre can
Govind Sharma
JAMMU, Dec 9: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reiterated his demand for the restoration of full Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the dual power system is unacceptable to the people of J&K as it is not beneficial for either the people of J&K or the Government of India.
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“Dual power systems are not beneficial for anyone. This type of system exists nowhere else in India. Therefore, Jammu and Kashmir also has the right to full Statehood, as the people have elected their own Government and this Government should be allowed to work for its people,” Omar Abdullah said while interacting with reporters.
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The Chief Minister further added, “We need statehood as it was promised to the people of J&K not only once but many times-publicly, on the floor of Parliament, and in the Supreme Court of India. Time and again, it was assured to the people of J&K that full Statehood would be restored. Statehood would ensure a single power center in J&K, which will be beneficial for all.”
Speaking on the issue of the Rohingyas-whose power and water connections were initially cut and later restored-Omar said it is a humanitarian issue, and the Centre must decide whether they are to be deported or not. “We have not settled them here. The Union Government must clarify what should be done with these immigrants. If the Centre can send them back, they should do so. But if they cannot, then these immigrants should be treated humanely and looked after to some extent as long as they are here. We cannot let them die in the cold. They have been brought here and settled, and as long as they are here, they should be treated like human beings,” Omar asserted.
Replying to a question about the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, the Chief Minister said there is some tension in relations between India and Bangladesh concerning conditions in that country. “Our Foreign Secretary is there and holding meetings to improve the situation. Bangladesh is our neighbor, and as the late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee once said, ‘We can change friends but not neighbors.’ Our relations with neighbors should be good, and we must make every effort in this direction, as it is also our compulsion,” Omar stated.
To another question regarding leadership change in the INDI Alliance, Omar said, “No meeting of the Alliance has been held after the Parliamentary elections, so there is no question of a leadership change. Let the meeting be held first. If Mamata Banerjee wishes, she can claim the presidency of the INDI Alliance. There would be discussions on this during the meeting.”
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