*CM supports GoI decision on KPs’ return
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, June 20: In his first meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today apprised him of security and developed situation of Jammu and Kashmir including arrangements made for upcoming annual pilgrimage of Shri Amarnath ji.
Omar also discussed the Government of India’s return plan of Kashmiri migrants to their homes and offered full support of the Government to the proposal.
The Chief Minister also had first meeting with Home Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed security preparedness of the State for Amarnath yatra.
This was first meeting of Omar with Modi as well as Rajnath after the BJP led NDA Government took over affairs of the country on May 26. Omar had, however, met Finance and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley during latter’s visit to Kashmir on June 14 and 15.
In a series of tweets after his meetings with Modi and Rajnath, Omar wrote on micro-blogging site twitter that he briefed Narendra Modi about the security situation and assessment for next few months including preparations for Amarnath ji Yatra, which is starting on June 28 and would last till August 2.
“Called on the Prime Minister of India this evening. Discussed the situation in the State including tourism, the economy, electricity and employment avenues,’’ Omar said.
He described his meeting with Modi as a “courtesy call’’ during which he briefed him about various issues.
A PMO handout also described Omar’s meeting with Modi as “courtesy call’’
“The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Race Course Road today. It was a courtesy call,’’ an official handout issued by the PMO after the meeting said.
Sources said Omar Abdullah apprised Modi about his assessment of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir mainly on security front including the borders with Pakistan and China. He shared in detail the arrangements made for annual Amarnath Ji pilgrimage in South Kashmir Himalayas beginning June 28, which would last till August 10.
The Chief Minister apprised the Prime Minister about the progress on Centrally Sponsored Schemes, power projects and other development works in Jammu and Kashmir.
This was first meeting between Omar and Modi in which the Chief Minister also briefed the Prime Minister on encouraging tourist season this summer in Jammu and Kashmir and measures required to give further boost to it.
On his meeting with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Omar said: “had a very productive meeting with Home Minister of India this morning. Briefed him about the security environment in Jammu and Kashmir and also outstanding issues’’.
Sources said the Chief Minister’s meetings with Modi and Rajnath were “detailed and prolonged’’.
The “outstanding issues’’ taken up by Omar with Rajnath included the revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from peaceful areas of Jammu and Kashmir was also taken up by Omar in his meeting with Rajnath Singh.
Omar gave detailed briefing to the Home Minister on security situation in the State and the borders.
Rajnath had recently reviewed security situation in Jammu and Kashmir with top brass of his Ministry and discussed arrangements for Amarnath yatra, scenario on borders, steps required to curb infiltration etc.
The revocation of AFSPA from peaceful areas of Jammu and Kashmir had been a long pending demand of Omar, which had been rejected by Defence Minister in UPA Government AK Antony.
However, Omar didn’t agree with Rajnath Singh’s decision for doing all works in Hindi.
“I have opposed it (the decision) and explained my opposition particularly in context of Jammu and Kashmir where our official languages are English and Urdu,’’ he said.
“Slam-Slang To criticize harshly; censure forcefully. To suggest that I have slammed imposition of Hindi is an exaggeration,’’ he tweeted.
With the State going to polls later this year, Omar refused to answer questions on whether his party, National Conference, will have an alliance with Congress. “It’s too premature to even ask,” Omar said.
Sources said the Government of India’s return plan for the Kashmiri migrants also figured prominently in Omar’s meetings with Modi and Rajnath.
Sources said the Centre has been actively considering the proposal for return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley in which the Omar Government had proposed increasing the amount for construction or repair work in their houses to Rs 20 lakh from existing Rs 7.5 lakh per family.
This proposal was sent to the previous UPA Government but no decision for enhancement of the amount from Rs.7.5 lakh which it had announced earlier, was taken
Kashmiri Pandits had left the Valley in 1990 with the outbreak of militancy and the number such migrants in Jammu, Delhi and other parts of the country are estimated somewhere between six and seven lakhs.
The package for enhancement of monetary assistance was sent by the State Government in 2012 but nothing was done about it.
“I am glad that the present Government is actively considering the proposal with some modifications,” Omar said, adding, “we are supportive of this measure”.
With the State going to polls later this year, Omar refused to answer questions on whether his party, National Conference, will have an alliance with Congress. “It’s too premature to even ask,” he said.
An official handout issued by the State Government said: “Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today called on Prime Minister, Narendra Modi here and discussed Jammu and Kashmir affairs with him in detail.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister apprised the Prime Minister about the prevailing peace and development scenario in the State. He also talked about various development projects under implementation in the State for inclusive and holistic development.
He referred to the special focus being laid on the development of power sector and measures initiated to make Jammu and Kashmir a self-reliant State in the power generation.
Matters relating to the early completion of Centrally sponsored projects and flow of Central funds for completion of various ongoing schemes were also discussed in the meeting.
Preparedness for the conduct of Shri Amarnath Yatra this year and issues concerning rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits also came up for discussion in the meeting.
Omar also met Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh here and discussed with him various matters relating to the peace and development in the State.
During the meeting matters relating to the prevailing security scenario also came up for discussion. The two leaders took stock of the preparedness of the state for the conduct of Shri Amarnath Yatra beginning from June 28.
“Aspects regarding rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits were also discussed in the meeting as also the steps underway in this regard.”
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