Jammu, Feb 4: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday expressed concern over repeated incidents of harassment of Kashmiris outside Jammu and Kashmir, saying the disturbing trend of intimidation and victimisation, which continues in Himachal Pradesh, must stop immediately.
The issue also echoed in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly during the second day of the Budget Session, with several members seeking a debate on the matter.
“This is not good. I raised this issue at the North Zone Chief Ministers’ Conference and requested all Chief Ministers and the Union Home Minister that the harassment of Kashmiris—whether students or traders—must stop,” Omar said while speaking to reporters outside the J&K Legislature.
He said he was thankful to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister for taking prompt action in one such case, including registering an FIR and making arrests, but added that similar incidents were still being reported from the neighbouring state.
“Since Himachal Pradesh is our neighbouring state and is also a Congress-ruled state, we do not expect our people to be harassed or assaulted there. I appeal to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh to take immediate action in such cases and put an end to this disturbing trend,” he said.
The Chief Minister declined to comment on the Lieutenant Governor’s address, opposition remarks, or the upcoming Budget, saying he would respond to these issues inside the House during his reply to the debate on the LG’s address.
On the Union Home Minister’s reported three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir from February 5, Omar said he had not received any official confirmation and therefore would not comment on it.
Responding to a question on the Congress demand for a coordination committee within the ruling alliance, Omar said the matter should be taken up with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah. “I am the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, not the NC President. You can ask Farooq Abdullah Sahab about the progress on this,” he said.
Commenting on the US tariff reduction, the Chief Minister said it was a positive step, particularly for Indian exporters who had been facing severe difficulties. He said the tariff issue was linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil, but noted that no official statement had yet come from the Government of India.
“If the tariff reduction benefits our exporters, it is a good move. Many exporters were on the verge of shutting down their businesses, and this could help revive them,” he said, adding that potential impacts on fuel prices would need to be assessed.
On sports and politics, Omar reiterated that the two should not be mixed. Responding to a question on Pakistan’s refusal to play India in the T20 World Cup, he accused the media of overhyping India-Pakistan matches and portraying them as a “war”.
“Whenever sports are mixed with politics, such situations arise. You don’t treat these as normal matches, and that creates unnecessary hype. This should not have happened,” he said.
On the disruption in Parliament over remarks by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, the Chief Minister declined to comment, saying parliamentary proceedings fall under the exclusive privilege of Parliament and the Speaker. (Agencies)
