National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir should be held in time to demonstrate the superiority of security forces over terrorists who have been carrying out a spate of recent attacks in the state.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a party event here, Abdullah said normalcy was not being maintained in the Union Territory.
“It’s not normal. But is the situation worse than 1996? If so, then don’t hold elections. If we want to bow to the forces that are attacking us, then don’t hold elections. If we need to prove the superiority of extremists, not the superiority of the army and the police, then don’t hold elections,” he said.
The former chief minister of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir said that if the government had the courage, it should hold elections.
“If you don’t have courage and are afraid then don’t do it. But if there is a need to show superiority of police and army, if our rulers have some courage then why should they succumb to these powers. Then elections should be held on time and the people of Jammu and Kashmir should choose their own government,” he added.
Asked about the BCCI’s decision not to send a cricket team to Pakistan, Abdullah said this is not something new.
“It has been years since a bilateral series was held between the two countries. It is the BCCI’s decision whether to send a team for the tournament,” he said.
The NC leader said it was not just our country’s responsibility to improve relations between the two countries.
“Pakistan’s responsibility for improving relations is much greater. Pakistan should stop the attacks and improve the public mood. Pakistan has to play its role in improving relations between the two countries,” he added.
The Jammu region has been rocked by a series of ambushes and terror attacks, especially in the border areas of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda and Reasi. To a question about the NEET exam, Abdullah said a decision regarding the exam should be taken much earlier.
“This is a grave injustice to the future of young people. I hope that a decision will be made soon, whether that be through an investigation, the courts or the government,” he said.
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The North Carolina vice president said the party will come up with comprehensive policies for women in its election manifesto.
A lot has to be done to give them a place in society and enable them to contribute to the development of JK. We have formulated a programme, a package for women in our manifesto, he said.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed (PTI)
