Srinagar, July 17: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has failed on all fronts, including counter-terrorism, and the Central government should restore statehood to the state before the state assembly elections.
“We want statehood for Jammu and Kashmir to be restored before the elections because the federation has failed… It has failed in Jammu, it has failed in fighting militancy, it has failed in development – it has failed on all fronts,” Abdullah told reporters here.
Replying to a question, the former chief minister, who was in Zadibal to take part in a Muharram march, said the danger of being a federal territory was that power was not in the hands of the people.
“These are the dangers of being a federal territory. The power does not belong to the people. But this is for a very short period of time and the prime minister and the home minister have assured that Jakarta will regain its provincial status immediately after the elections,” he said, commenting on a recent notification that granted some powers to local governments.
Regarding the attack in Doda, Abdullah said this was not the first time.
“In fact, a series of attacks have taken place in Jammu region in the last one year. I would say there is probably very little area in Jammu that is free of militants. The attacks have taken place in Pir Panjal region, Chenab valley, Jammu, Kathua and Samba,” Abdullah said.
“If our information is correct, 55 soldiers and security forces have lost their lives in these attacks in the past year. In such a situation, one has to ask what the government is doing,” he added.
Abdullah said the government was claiming that militants were in their final stages of attack but the situation on the ground did not support that.
“They make this claim time and time again. After every attack they say militancy is in a terminal state. They see the end of militancy but we don’t see it. We don’t understand how they can see it. And nobody is saying what steps will be taken to stop these killings,” Abdullah said.
“We expect those responsible for security management to fulfill their responsibilities to bring the situation under control,” he added.
Asked about DGP RR Swain’s recent controversial remarks, Abdullah said the top police officer had stepped into the political realm and made political speeches.
“It would be better for him to leave politics to the politicians and do his job of improving the situation and fighting extremism. We politicians cannot maintain law and order and fight extremism even if the party makes maximum sacrifices. We can raise our voice against extremism and support the government’s efforts but it is the DGP’s job to fight extremism. Let him do his job and we will do ours,” he added.
Abdullah also slammed the regime for arresting Shiite mourners.
“They should not have arrested the mourners. I don’t understand why it is so easy to target Muslims. They don’t do that with other religious groups,” he said. (News Agency)
