Srinagar, July 8 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that around 170 representatives from Jammu and Kashmir’s civil society have unanimously backed the demand for immediate restoration of statehood and extended support to the proposed July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event at SKICC, Omar Abdullah, as per news agency JKNS, said the meeting brought together representatives from different sections of society, including religious leaders, traders, educationists, tourism stakeholders and retired bureaucrats.
“It was not a delegation but a meeting of the entire civil society. Everyone, without exception, stressed that the restoration of statehood has already been delayed for too long and should not be postponed any further,” the Chief Minister said.
He said the meeting unanimously adopted a brief resolution urging the Government of India to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood without further delay and also endorsed the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar.
Omar said invitations are being sent to all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including those currently or previously represented in the Assembly. He added that National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah would also invite leaders of the INDIA bloc as well as regional parties outside both the INDIA alliance and the NDA.
“We hope they will join us and support this protest on July 20,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said the government is making continuous efforts to fill vacancies in essential sectors, particularly doctors, teachers and lecturers, adding that recruitment is taking time due to the lengthy verification process but appointment orders are being issued regularly.
Referring to reports about schools functioning with a single teacher, Omar said the figures were based on an old report and that the government would place updated information before the Assembly.
He also disclosed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had spoken to him regarding the weather situation following heavy rainfall in parts of the Chenab Valley and Kathua.
“The Home Minister called to enquire about the situation. I briefed him, and he assured all possible assistance from the Centre if required,” Omar said.
On global developments, the Chief Minister said prolonged conflicts were affecting economies worldwide through rising oil prices and stressed that peace was the only solution.
“The biggest solution is that the war must end. Rising oil prices are impacting development works and increasing costs,” he said.
Commenting on the Indus Waters Treaty, Omar reiterated his long-standing opposition to the agreement, saying Jammu and Kashmir had never exercised control over its rivers.
On the early melting of the Amarnath cave ice Shivling, the Chief Minister said there is already a Supreme Court-mandated cap on the number of pilgrims and that regulation of unregistered pilgrims rests with the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.
“As far as the Shivling is concerned, that is in God’s hands. We cannot decide how many days it should remain,” he said. (JKNS)
