Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Apr 1: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate various developmental projects during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that his trip is not solely focused on reviewing the security situation.
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Omar made these remarks in response to a question about whether Shah’s visit was linked to the recent Kathua encounter, in which four policemen lost their lives.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the visit had been planned well in advance, downplaying any connection between the two events.
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“It is merely a coincidence that Amit Shah is visiting Jammu and Kashmir around the time of the Kathua encounter. His visit is not solely focused on security. While security will be reviewed, the primary focus will be on development projects in Srinagar, where several key initiatives will be inaugurated,” Omar told reporters after flagging off the free bus service for women at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC).
Referring to his budget speech on 7th March, in which he announced free travel for women in all Smart City e-buses and Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) buses across the Union Territory, the Chief Minister said: “During the budget, we made a special announcement that RTC buses and Smart City e-buses would be free for women from April 1. Today, we are launching this service with the hope that it will make travel easier for women, whether for education, work, shopping, or sightseeing.” He added, “We hope this initiative will enable women to travel safely across Jammu and Kashmir.”
Omar emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Government’s vision of inclusive growth. “Starting today, women across Jammu and Kashmir will be able to travel free of cost in all Smart City and SRTC buses. This initiative is not just about affordability but also about accessibility and safety. We want to create an environment where women feel empowered to travel freely. Our vision is to make J&K a model of inclusive growth, where no woman is held back due to mobility constraints,” he said.
Before the official flag-off, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a “Zero-Ticket Travel” initiative for schoolgirls, underscoring the Government’s commitment to accessible and safe transportation for students.
Speaking on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Waqf Bill in Parliament, Omar called it discriminatory. “It seems that the bill targets only one religion, which is unfair. We cannot support it, and our Members of Parliament will oppose it,” he said.
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