CM Omar Abdullah’s salvos: Criticises PDP& PC chiefs, water sharing plans and Israel’s action against Iran

STC NEWS DESK
JAMMU, JUNE 20 (STC):
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly criticised People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti and People’s Conference (PC) president Sajjad Lone for raising hue and cry over reservation policy, which he called is just for show. He also expressed firm opposition to a proposed diversion plan of surplus water from Jammu and Kashmir to other states Besides, the CM questioned Israel’s military aggression against Iran.
He accused Mehbooba and Sajad of political hypocrisy over the issue of reservation in government recruitment.
“Both leaders had ample opportunity to raise the matter earlier but chose to remain silent for political convenience. They were silent when it mattered. Today they are raising hue and cry just for show, CM Omar Abdullah said. Taking a dig at Mehbooba Mufti, he stated that when she needed votes, did not allow even her party members to speak about reservation. Why didn’t she speak about it when she was contesting from Anantnag and seeking support in Rajouri and Poonch?
Criticising Sajjad Lone, the CM said, “He remained closely aligned with the government for five years. While we were being thrown out of government accommodations and our security was being downgraded, he comfortably stayed in a government house. Why didn’t he speak about reservations then? Where was his voice during those years?”
Omar while defending his handling of the issue said that the Cabinet Sub-Committee submitted its report on reservation within six months—an unprecedented step. “This is the first time any real progress was made on this front. If I had wanted to delay, I could have extended the deadline by another six months. No one could have forced me to act. Yet, we chose to move quickly. The Cabinet has accepted the Sub-Committee’s report and sent it to the law department for legal vetting,” he said.
Meanwhile, Omar also expressed firm opposition to a proposed 113-kilometre canal project that aims to divert surplus water from Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. “I will never permit this. Our people in Jammu are already facing drought-like conditions. Why should we divert our water to Punjab? They already get water under the Indus Water Treaty. Did they ever share water with us when we needed it?” he questioned.
Commenting on the being asked whether the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, he said, “We’re still waiting for Prime Minister Modi to honour his commitment on statehood. That promise hasn’t been fulfilled yet.”
He also commented on the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, questioning Israel’s recent actions. “What has Iran done that Israel is targeting it like this? Just a few months ago, the international community said Iran doesn’t have an active nuclear programme. Then why is it being targeted now?” he asked, expressing concern about Indian nationals caught in the crossfire.
“From Jammu and Kashmir alone, 1,600 students are stranded in Iran. Around 400 have been moved to safer areas, and efforts are ongoing to bring the rest to safety,” he informed.
(STC)