SRINAGAR, May 1: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday clarified that no decision has been taken to drop Urdu, stating that the government has only sought public feedback and accused political opponents of spreading misinformation.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the integration of two new estate department blocks in Pampore, Omar Abdullah said, “There is no dropping of Urdu. God save us from those who cannot distinguish between truth and falsehood. Unfortunately, this group and its leadership see nothing beyond lies.”
He added that critics had been asked to show any official order removing Urdu. “They only showed the order inviting public comments. If someone cannot understand the difference between seeking feedback and dropping a subject, that is unfortunate,” he said.
Referring to PDP leader Iltija Mufti’s protest, Abdullah said, “She is educated, but still needs to understand the difference between inviting public comments and actually removing a subject. The file is still on my table. I have neither approved it nor intend to.”
He further said that while a proposal may have originated from the department, it has not been cleared. “As an elected government, it is our duty to seek public feedback. The order was only for that purpose. Those without anything constructive are trying to spread falsehoods,” he said.
Responding to RTI-related claims, the Chief Minister alleged that the PDP was attempting to mislead the public. “They earlier supported the BJP, and now they are trying to divert attention by raising such issues and focusing only on Urdu,” he added.
