Srinagar, Aug 7 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that opposition to a government should not be equated with opposition to the country, asserting that democratic dissent can play an important role in identifying and correcting mistakes within the system.
Speaking to reporters, as per news agency JKNS, CM Omar welcomed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s reported distinction between opposition to the government and opposition to the nation, saying such a distinction was important in a democracy.
“Opposing the government is not opposing the country. Often opposing the government is beneficial for the country because where there are mistakes, those mistakes are corrected,” Omar said.
Referring to the NEET controversy and subsequent student movement, he said the agitation had contributed to accountability and could help improve the examination process in the future.
He also expressed concern over the alleged harassment of students following protests, including cases against them and pressure through social media and police action.
“These children did nothing against the country. The proceedings against them should stop,” he said.
On the situation in Jharkhand, where students have reportedly been protesting for several days over alleged irregularities in examinations, Omar Abdullah urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to engage with the students and address their concerns.
“Call them, talk to them. And if something has really happened there, then take action against it, like we did here,” he said. (JKNS)
