Questions need for fresh Women’s Reservation Bill
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Apr 9: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said the United States must “control Israel” to ensure the success of the ongoing ceasefire process in West Asia, saying that the war was “imposed” on Iran and not initiated by it.
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Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event at SKICC in Srinagar, Omar expressed concern over escalating tensions and ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
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“The way they (Israel) are bombing Lebanon, the way innocent people are being killed there, if this ceasefire is not successful, it will not be the fault of Iran or anyone else. It will only be the fault of Israel,” he said.
He said while reaching a ceasefire was a positive step, conditions must be created for its success. “What do you think? How will the ceasefire happen? It is good that we have reached here, but for this ceasefire, create conditions,” he said, reiterating that Washington must restrain Israel.
The Chief Minister also launched a sharp attack on US president Donald Trump, alleging inconsistency and inappropriate conduct. “He says one thing in the morning, another in the afternoon and something else in the evening. It seems he himself does not know what he is doing,” he added.
Criticising Trump’s language on social media, he added, “The kind of language he uses does not suit anyone, let alone the US President. If you and I used such language, our accounts would be blocked or suspended from platforms like Facebook and Twitter. But because he is the President, people are afraid and no action is taken, despite repeated threats.”
Questioning the rationale behind the war, the CM said, “First, tell us what was the purpose of this war? Before the war, the strait of Harmuz was open. After the ceasefire, it is being called a great success. What was achieved?”
On India’s diplomatic positioning, Omar said India’s close ties with Israel may have limited its ability to act as a mediator.
Referring to Pakistan’s role, the CM said, “We have to accept that Pakistan did what the rest could not do.” While declining to comment on whether India’s foreign policy was a failure, he said, “Our relations with Israel have become a weakness,” adding that India might have played a role similar to Pakistan if ties were not so close. “We have good relation with Iran and Israel,” he said.
Responding to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India which found that 350 water bodies in Jammu have completely vanished while 205 have shrunk, the CM said “I do not need the CAG to tell me what is self-evident. We are living this reality,” he said, attributing the decline to urbanisation, pressure on land and climate change. He warned of a looming environmental crisis and called for collective responsibility. “This is not just the Government’s responsibility. What sort of Jammu and Kashmir do we want to leave for our children? Why do not we reduce plastic use on our own? Do we need Government bans for everything?” he asked, while cautioning that stricter measures may be necessary if public response remains inadequate.
Omar also questioned the need for a fresh women’s reservation bill, saying that Parliament had already passed such legislation earlier. He said it had been communicated that implementation would follow census and delimitation, likely after 2029. “What has changed now? The same Government had brought that bill. Why is a new one required?” he asked, urging the Government to clarify its position while reiterating support for women’s reservation.
Referring to a report by NITI Aayog estimating annual losses of Rs. 15,000 crore in Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector, the Chief Minister said the Government has announced a crop insurance scheme in the current budget. “The financial year has just begun. We are working on it and will implement it as soon as possible,” he said. He added that previous measures like market intervention schemes benefitted select individuals rather than common growers. “The common grower should feel safe. This scheme will help reduce losses caused by climate change,” he said.
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