Only One Community Being Singled Out: CM on Waqf Bill
Terrorism Cannot Be Eradicated Without Public Support: CM Omar Abdullah
Rs 144 Cr Disbursed as Compensation to Border Villagers
Jammu, Mar 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday stressed that terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be wiped out without the active support of the people.
Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly in Jammu, Omar acknowledged the government’s cooperation with the Union Home Ministry to maintain peace across the Union Territory.
“My government is fully supporting the Union Home Ministry to ensure a peaceful security environment. While security is not directly our responsibility, I have always maintained that terrorism cannot be eliminated without public support,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that the elected government is working alongside the Lieutenant Governor to stabilize the region.
Ongoing Anti-Terror Operations in Kathua
Responding to questions about an ongoing anti-terror operation in Sanyal village near the International Border in Kathua’s Hiranagar sector, Omar said, “Such incidents have happened before. As per my information, no direct contact has been established with terrorists yet. The search operation, launched after reports of suspicious movement, is ongoing.”
He further stated that terrorist activities in Rajouri, Poonch, and Kathua are part of a larger attempt to destabilize peace.
CM Raises Concerns Over Waqf Bill
Regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Omar said, “Religious institutions exist across all faiths, and all religions engage in charitable activities. Muslims use Waqf for such purposes, yet it is being selectively targeted.”
Compensation for Border Villagers
CM Abdullah also announced that Rs 144 crore has been disbursed as compensation to border villagers whose lands were affected by fencing along the Indo-Pakistan border.
“This is a humanitarian issue. People in border areas face severe hardships,” he told the Assembly while responding to supplementary questions.
The Chief Minister said his government will hold a meeting in April with MLAs from border areas to discuss their concerns. “We will take every possible step to address their grievances,” he assured.
Several MLAs, including BJP’s Vijay Kumar, Surjit Singh Salathia, Devinder Kumar Manyal, and CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami, raised issues regarding land compensation, the impact of fencing on agriculture, and deteriorating conditions in border villages.
Revenue Minister Sakina Itoo informed the Assembly that 13,415 kanals of land across 113 villages in Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts have been acquired by the BSF for border fencing. The fencing, covering a 135-foot-wide strip, has been installed along both the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC) to prevent infiltration.
Farmers affected by the fencing have been receiving cash compensation, though title verifications are delaying the disbursement of the remaining Rs 11 crore from the allocated Rs 155.08 crore.
CM Abdullah assured that his government will expedite the process. “Border issues are not limited to a single MLA’s constituency—they affect the people of Jammu and Kashmir as a whole,” he emphasized.
