Srinagar, July 26 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday marked Kargil Vijay Diwas by paying rich tributes to India’s soldiers and called for urgent measures to address the legal challenges faced by serving and retired defence personnel.
While addressing the North Zone Regional Conference organised by the J&K Legal Services Authority in Srinagar, CM Omar as per news agency JKNS said, “Today, on the solemn occasion of Vijay Diwas, let me begin by acknowledging the service and sacrifices of our defence personnel, both past and present. These men and women, many of whom belong to Jammu and Kashmir, serve in inhospitable terrains with immense courage, fine dignity, and an enduring sense of duty.”
He added, “However, when they face legal challenges be it service-related disputes, pension matters, or civil grievances they often encounter difficulties due to geographical distances, the mobile nature of their postings, and the distinct constraints of military life. These challenges constitute other disabilities under Article 39A and must be addressed with urgency and compassion. It is indefensible that those who risk their lives to uphold the Constitution should struggle to access the protections it guarantees.”
CM Omar also announced the establishment of a dedicated law university in Jammu and Kashmir with an initial allocation of ₹50 crore, saying, “Preparatory work is underway. This university will serve as a centre of excellence, focusing on legal instruction, research, and policy innovations, particularly in domains such as tribal rights, constitutional law, military justice, and environmental justice. It is an investment in cultivating an inclusive, capable legal ecosystem for future generations.”
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Omar said, “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members. On behalf of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, I reaffirm our unwavering support for the Legal Services Authority and their partners in delivering justice to the most marginalised.”
Commending recent initiatives, he added, “I take this opportunity to commend the J&K State Legal Services Authority for its initiative in amending its legal aid rules to include serving and retired defence personnel. Likewise, the recent procedural reforms introduced by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir merit appreciation for easing access to justice for our uniformed citizens. These steps are laudable, but they must mark the beginning of deeper institutional engagement.” (JKNS)
