SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that the Cabinet Sub-Committee’s report on reservation has been accepted by the government and forwarded for necessary legal examination. He also asserted that Jammu and Kashmir’s water resources would be used for the benefit of its people and would not be diverted elsewhere.
Speaking to media persons in Jammu, the Chief Minister said the legal process must not be bypassed. “It is for the first time that a committee formed on any issue has submitted its report within a fixed timeline. The cabinet has accepted the reservation report and sent it for legal and procedural examination,” he said, responding to questions about delays in addressing the reservation matter.
He criticised opposition parties, stating they were silent when the issue first emerged. “PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti remained silent on the issue while contesting elections from south Kashmir. She has no right to raise it now,” Omar said.
On questions related to the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and the diversion of water from JK, the Chief Minister said the resources would be prioritised for local needs. “There is a drought-like situation in Jammu. Taps are running dry. We will use water for our people first,” he said.
He added, “I will not allow diversion of water from JK for any project. Did Punjab provide water to us earlier? Why should we allow our water to be diverted to Punjab now?” He said the government is currently working on two key projects—Tulbul Navigation Barrage and a water pumping initiative from Akhnoor to Jammu.
Commenting on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Omar said the situation is not favourable. “The US intelligence chief recently said Iran is nowhere near developing a nuclear weapon. What then prompted Israel to launch an attack? This escalation is not a positive move,” he said. He added that around 1,400 people from JK are stranded in Iran, and efforts are being made to evacuate them. “Ninety have already been evacuated, and 400 more will be shifted soon,” he said.
On the issue of statehood, the Chief Minister said there is still hope that the promises made by the Prime Minister regarding its restoration will be fulfilled.
(KNO)
