Srinagar, Jan 25: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said that all administrative and recruitment decisions should be based on merit, warning that any attempt to politicise examinations would not be tolerated.
“Everything should not be seen through religion or region. Some decisions must rest on merit alone. Those who qualify on merit deserve their place,” Abdullah told reporters while addressing concerns over the Judicial Services Mains results controversy in Kashmir.
The Chief Minister added that a thorough investigation would be conducted if evidence of wrongdoing emerged. “If you bring evidence of fraud, I am ready to order an investigation. If anyone used unfair means, cheated, or manipulated the examination, I will ensure a full probe,” he said.
He visited Gulmarg to review snowfall-related issues, electricity restoration, and the inauguration of a new ski lift.
Abdullah said he came following complaints regarding snow clearance and power supply, adding that minor shortcomings were being addressed by the administration.
“Until now, January was dry. This snowfall is beneficial as it will support tourism and help avert water shortages in summer,” he said, noting that further snowfall was expected on January 26 and 27.
Abdullah said efforts were underway to make the ski lift operational within a few hours.
He added that last year, the Khelo India Games had been postponed multiple times due to delayed snowfall, but this year’s winter conditions should allow smooth conduct of the event.
Commenting on electricity supply, the Chief Minister said high winds and snow had reduced power availability from 1,700 MW to 100 MW temporarily, but it had crossed 1,500 MW by the previous night.
He expressed confidence that restoration in the snowiest areas would be completed very soon.
Abdullah said the Jammu and Kashmir government had never supported the separation of any part of the state.
“We did not want to see Jammu and Kashmir being separated from each other. Ladakh was separated, but we want to see it united with Jammu and Kashmir. It should never have been separated. We did not want to separate Jammu either,” he said, adding that the BJP and its allies were responsible for the division. (KNS)
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