Asif Malik
Srinagar, Jun 15 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reaffirmed that his government will go ahead with a protest in the national capital on the first day of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session to press for the restoration of statehood, even as he disclosed that he had raised a host of issues, including the region’s financial position, during a recent conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“There is no change in that plan. We have a complete intention to go to Delhi and keep our message at Jantar Mantar to remind the people of Jammu and Kashmir about the promise of statehood made in the Supreme Court, Parliament, and various public functions,” CM told media as per KNS.
About recent meeting with the Prime Minister chief minister Omar Abdullah said I spoke to the PM on various issues. I spoke about statehood, the financial position of Jammu and Kashmir, and how development can be accelerated. I hope the people will benefit from that conversation, he said.
When asked about the long-pending demand for reservation, CM Omar said a Cabinet sub-committee’s report was approved by the state Cabinet and sent to Lieutenant Governor, who formally referred it to the Centre. “The central government asked for some clarifications. The file was sent back to us. The department has prepared answers. The Cabinet will meet in a few days to approve the reply, which will then be sent back to the Centre,” he said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted a recent administrative achievement, announcing the appointment of 132 junior engineers in the Public Works Department (PWD). “Today, 132 new junior engineers have joined the PWD. This will have a positive impact on ground-level development,” he said, congratulating the deputy CM.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said preparations for the upcoming month of Muharram had begun one and a half months ago, with ministers visiting different areas. “We have made preparations. We hope people will not face difficulties,” he assured.
Regarding the annual pilgrimage, CM Omar extended his best wishes to the pilgrims. “We hope their journey will be good, and when they go there and pray, it will be good if they say a few words for the betterment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. (KNS)
