‘Claims of violence ending after 2019 not a reality’
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Nov 19: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that suspicion against Kashmiris outside Jammu and Kashmir has grown so sharply that even he now hesitates to drive his own car in Delhi, fearing he may be stopped and questioned, as people are increasingly viewed as suspects for violent acts committed by “a few.”
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Speaking to reporters in Kulgam during a visit to the families of people killed in Friday’s explosion at the Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar, Omar said that violence would end after 2019 have not been translated into reality.
“We want this cycle of violence to stop. Jammu and Kashmir, especially Kashmir, has witnessed so much bloodshed over the last 30-35 years,” he said. “We were told this would not happen now, but it has not stopped. If a bomb is not exploding in Delhi, then it explodes here.”
Referring to the car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort and the Nowgam explosion, Omar questioned the security apparatus. “You will have to ask those responsible for our security why this violence has not ended. That responsibility does not lie with us,” he said.
The Chief Minister also warned that a growing sense of stigma is pushing families to keep their children from studying or working outside the region. “When we are looked at with suspicious eyes from every side, when attempts are made to defame an entire population for someone else’s actions, it naturally becomes difficult for us to leave,” he said.
He added that even routine travel is now fraught with fear. “Today, driving a Jammu and Kashmir-registered vehicle in Delhi is being seen as a crime. When I do not have much security personnel with me, I think twice about taking my car out. I do not know if someone will stop me and ask where I am from and why I have come,” he said.
Omar said the killings underline the urgent need for accountability. “Innocent people have lost their lives. We all want this situation to stop at some point,” he said.
Asked about the progress in Mission Yuva, the Chief Minister highlighted shortcomings in the Mission Yuva employment scheme, saying banks were not sanctioning loans despite approved Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
“There is a clear gap between DPR approval and bank sanction. We will address this,” he said, noting that around 30,000 DPRs had been approved and Rs. 400 crore disbursed in the last five months.
Meanwhile, Omar met the families of two victims who lost their lives in the accidental explosion at Nowgam Police Station, extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
At Chancer village in Kulgam, the Chief Minister visited the home of late Arshid Ahmad Shah and expressed his deepest sympathies to the grieving family. He assured them that the Government stands firmly with them in this hour of immense pain.
Later, Omar went to Hariparigam, Tral, where he met the family of late Javid Mansoor Rather. He offered condolences and shared moments of solidarity with the bereaved members, conveying that no words can ease the loss they have suffered.
During his interaction, the Chief Minister consoled both families, offering words of comfort and reassurance. He emphasised that while no amount can compensate for the precious lives lost in the unfortunate accident, the Government will extend every possible assistance to help the affected families rebuild their lives.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister Sakina Itoo and other senior officers.
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