‘Govt fails to help flood-hit families’
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 8: Lauding the Centre for its “effective handling” of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Leader of Opposition (LOP) Sunil Sharma today accused Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of resorting to “lies” and “misleading” people in the name of Statehood.
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Speaking at a press conference here, Sharma questioned whether the CM “wants Statehood to kill innocent civilians in Kashmir.”
He alleged that Omar has used the terrorism narrative to justify actions that, according to Sharma, harmed civilians rather than targeting terrorists.
“If his tenure is to be considered, he told stories in the name of terrorism. History will reveal how innocent people were killed,” Sharma said, adding that such a Statehood-“where there is fear”-was unacceptable to the people.
Sharma thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chohan and Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh for releasing Rs 171 crore under PM-KISAN scheme and welcomed the Centre’s decision to increase MGNREGA workdays for J&K from 100 to 150 this year, calling it “immediate relief for farmers and labourers.”
He, however, criticised the J&K Government for failing to deliver assistance to flood-affected families and not even making an “effort.” “People had expectations from the Government, but so far nothing has come from them in the form of relief,” he said.
Marking one year since the Assembly election results were announced on October 8 last year, Sharma said the Centre had provided substantial support, including Rs 5,000 crore requested by the Chief Minister and Rs 1,000 crore under PMGSY for roads.
“The Centre has taken several steps, yet the Government and its ministers keep claiming they lack powers and Statehood,” he said.
Sharma accused Abdullah of repeatedly using the Statehood issue to “mislead people” and said Cabinet governance was fully functional.
He claimed that 16 Cabinet meetings had been held so far and 97 decisions approved by the Lieutenant Governor. “If any file is stuck, let us know; we will ensure it is cleared-we will fight,” he said.
He also alleged that files related to key appointments, including those of the Advocate General, JKBOSE chairman, and MD of PTCL, were mishandled. “He (CM) is not approving files and is misleading people because he does not know how to work; the file for business rules has been sent back by the LG, but the CM has not returned it,” Sharma remarked.
Reiterating his stance on security, Sharma claimed that “more civilians were killed during Abdullah’s tenure,” while the Centre had “dismantled terrorism and ensured civilians are not harmed.”
He added, “There is no local recruitment in terror outfits now, which shows that Kashmir has accepted the Centre’s policy of putting forward their views in a democratic setup.”
Responding to the CM’s claim that he had two options-either to go with the BJP or carry on alone-Sharma said, “BJP doors are closed for the CM,” and challenged Omar to prove otherwise.
“We do not need to form a Government with him. What he has said, he should prove it or apologise,” he said.
Sharpening his attack, Sharma blamed the National Conference (NC) and Congress for the rise of terrorism in J&K, accusing both parties of misleading people for political gain.
“Terrorism erupted during their rule. During Omar Abdullah’s tenure from 2008-2014, there were over 7,000 law-and-order incidents; from 2019-2024, only 18 such incidents occurred. That’s the difference between their politics and our governance,” he said.
He added that today, schools are open, businesses are thriving, and peace prevails-crediting the BJP’s governance and security measures for the turnaround.
“The NC leadership has always deceived the people of Kashmir by spreading hatred against the Centre,” Sharma said, urging people to “see beyond divisive politics.”
Calling Omar a “product of dynasty,” Sharma alleged, “He was born with a silver spoon. Their politics is built on spreading lies about the Centre and exploiting people’s sentiments.”
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