‘Govt extending full support to MHA’
*Particular religion being targeted with Waqf bill
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today asserted that militancy in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be finished without the support of people and said his Government is extending support to the Union Home Ministry to ensure the security situation remains peaceful in the Union Territory.
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“Though it (security) is directly not our responsibility, I am repeatedly saying that militancy cannot be finished without the support of the people. The elected Government is making attempts and is supporting (Lt Governor) to keep situation under control and maintain peace,” Omar told reporters outside Assembly here before the start of the day’s business.
He was responding to a question on the ongoing anti-terrorist operation in Sanyal near International Border in Hiranagar sector of Kathua district.
“Such things have happened in the past as well and as far as my information is concerned, no contact was established (with terrorists). The search and cordon operation launched on the basis of suspicious movement is going on and let us see how the situation develops,” Omar said.
He said the operation is taking place in a border village and it is possible that they have come from across the border.
“Making any statement on this right away will be premature. Let us see how the situation develops,” he said.
Asked about frequent targeting of Kathua and Billawar by terrorists, the Chief Minister said many areas of Jammu belt have seen terror activities over the past couple of years as “we have seen it in Rajouri and Poonch and several others areas” and their attempt is to disturb peace”.
It may be mentioned here that the villagers yesterday claimed to have observed movement of five terrorists at village Sanyal, about four kilometers from the International Border in Hiranagar sector of Kathua district after which an encounter started between the two sides in which a minor girl was injured.
There was no fresh contact with the terrorists during the day today. Omar said the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill across the country are understandable as only a particular religion is being “targeted”.
“Charitable activities are linked to all religions and Muslims carry out these through Waqf. When a particular religion is targeted, there will be tension,” he said.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Sunday announced a nationwide agitation against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, with large sit-ins planned in front of the State Assemblies in Patna and Vijayawada on March 26 and 29, respectively, as part of the first phase of the protest.
The Bill was referred to the Joint Committee on August 8 last year, following its introduction in the Lok Sabha by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
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