‘Legal challenge to Waqf shouldn’t be politicised’
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that efforts are on to restore the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway at Ramban that was washed away by flash floods. He emphasised that legal challenge to the Waqf Act should not be politicised.
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Speaking with reporters here, the Chief Minister termed the situation “really bad” and said his Government is in touch with the Centre, and relief funds-including the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund-will be tapped to compensate those affected.
“The situation is quite bad in some areas of Ramban, especially near the National Highway. Yesterday, I sent the deputy Chief Minister to visit the affected areas. The two local MLAs from Ramban and Banihal are already stationed there,” he added.
Omar said that efforts are being made to restore the highway immediately, along with the affected residential areas. “We are also working to ensure that relief reaches those affected by the flash floods,” he said.
On the availability of essential supplies in Kashmir, the Chief Minister said there is no shortage and urged people not to hoard.
“I want to tell people that there is no shortage of essentials and no need for hoarding. Officers have been directed to act against those engaging in black-marketing.”
“Action will be taken in coordination with the police. If arrests are required, they should be carried out,” he said, urging the public to inform the Government about such incidents.
Omar noted that while the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is closed, the Mughal Road is open and can be used for essential supplies if needed. “But we are hopeful that in the next few days, the Highway will be restored for at least one-way traffic,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that a challenge to any legislation before the Supreme Court should not be given a political hue. He said the Apex Court has the power to review the decisions taken by the Centre or State Governments.
“Everyone (institution) has a role. The Supreme Court has been given the powers to review decisions taken by the Centre or State Government. Did we not go to the SC in Article 370 case? This is not the first time that the apex court has been moved (in the Waqf case). Was not Indira Gandhi’s decision to impose the Emergency challenged in the court? If today someone is going to the SC, it should not be given a political hue. The court has its own jurisdiction and the Legislature has its own jurisdiction,” he said
Omar said while there was some discussion on the Waqf Amendment Act in the Legislative Assembly, his party moved to the SC and got some relief.
“Where is the negative impact? At least, the SC has directed the Centre to move back two steps. Non-Muslims’ interference in Waqf has been stayed while self-declared Waqf has not been stopped. Let the SC do its work, we will wait for its verdict,” he added.
On the controversial remarks made by the BJP MP Nishikant Dubey about the Supreme Court, the Chief Minister said: “The Waqf issue has been taken to the SC by parties, not the Government. The NC has taken. If the BJP has said something about their MP, what is the need to comment on it?” he said.
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