Srinagar, July 26 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered the keynote address at the North Zone Regional Conference of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) held at SKICC Srinagar. The event focused on justice for defence personnel and tribal communities.
Calling the conference “constitutionally significant,” Omar Abdullah said it was a platform to reflect on the Republic’s promise of justice—social, economic, and political—as enshrined in Article 39A of the Constitution.
He paid tribute to the defence personnel, especially those from Jammu and Kashmir, and highlighted the legal challenges they face due to remote postings and military duties. “Legal redressal must be swift and compassionate for those serving in difficult terrains,” he said.
He praised the J&K Legal Services Authority for amending legal aid rules to include serving and retired soldiers and suggested setting up legal aid clinics in cantonments and districts with many ex-servicemen. “Their families—widows, aged parents, children—must get timely and expert legal support,” he stressed, proposing para-legal volunteers trained in military law.
On tribal communities, the CM said they are the custodians of rich cultural and ecological traditions. “Development alone is not justice,” he said, adding that legal awareness, access, and representation must reach every tribal village.
He noted government efforts, including ?98 crore in tribal welfare spending, six operational Eklavya Model Schools, and 222 smart classrooms. He also called for expanding mobile legal vans, Tele-Law platforms, and virtual hearings.
“Justice must reach from Poonch to Kishtwar, from Rajouri to Karnah,” he asserted.
CM Omar Abdullah also emphasized the importance of balancing national security with tribal rights. He warned that security measures must not lead to legal exclusion in border areas and stressed the need for fair, transparent grievance redressal systems.
He advocated for Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms like Lok Adalats and mediation centers that respect tribal customs and deliver quick justice.
The CM announced the sanction of a Law University in Jammu and Kashmir with an initial grant of ?50 crore, which will specialize in tribal law, military justice, constitutional studies, and more.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said, “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members,” reaffirming the government’s support for justice delivery to the marginalized.
The conference was also addressed by Supreme Court Judge Justice Surya Kant, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, J&K LG Manoj Sinha, and senior legal and military officials. Judiciary members, army personnel, tribal representatives, and senior officers attended the event.(KNS)
