‘Union Govt must hold early elections in J&K’
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Nov 1: Demanding conduct of early elections in Jammu and Kashmir and UT of Ladakh, former J&K Chief Minister and vice president of J&K National Conference, Omar Abdullah today said that the claims of Rs 6000 crore spent on infrastructure development in Ladakh after giving UT status, appears to be hollow as nothing such was visible on the ground.
Talking to media-persons at Kargil today, Omar said the Union Government must hold early elections in Jammu and Kashmir as the people are eagerly waiting for the formation of a popular Government in the erstwhile State. After this, the elections should also be held for the Hill Development Councils in Kargil and Leh.
“People of J&K are eagerly waiting for early conduct of Assembly elections. Let the elections be held there first and then, it should also be conducted for the Hill Development Councils in Ladakh. NC has bright future in Kargil as it has already dominated the Council. The party has delivered here and always respected the aspirations of the Kargil people. NC represents the aspirations of the local people and will continue to do the same in future,” Omar said while responding to a question.
Replying to a yet another question on BJP leaders’ claims of launching projects worth Rs 6000 crores in Ladakh after making UT, Omar said,” We have not seen any major project in Kargil during my stay here for the last two days. You list any five major projects launched by BJP Government in Ladakh. I have not seen any major change here and this so called development is merely on papers.”
“The foundation stones for new hospitals, power projects and even Zojila Tunnel were laid during the NC regime. The Kargil airport project was also launched by National Conference. Now, if anybody claims it later, it does not mean that only they did everything and previous Governments were just sitting idle and made no contributions,” Omar regretted.
“I listed all the major projects launched by our Government in Kargil and Ladakh region. Let you list any major five of them. If BJP claims having constructed Kargil at airport, then why Boeing 737 of Prime Minister failed to land at Kargil Airport. Why PM arrived at Kargil in C-130 aircraft of BSF even though his Boeing landed at Leh airport. Now, new Kargil hospital’s foundation stone will perhaps be laid by the Lt Governor of Ladakh. He will retire and go, a new person will come and inaugurate the new hospital building. CEC of Kargil Hill Council, if tells about launch of new projects it will ultimately go to the credit of National Conference being associated with the party,” Omar quipped.
The senior NC leader, who was flanked by former Minister Qamar Ali Akhoon, further said he regrets for achieving no major success in Zojila Tunnel and Kargil airport projects but his party made the beginning and put all possible sincere efforts to accomplish these projects. Some body has to start and such projects take long time, he maintained.
While referring to the question on major Education and Tourism infrastructure development in Leh, Omar asked,” Is BJP giving this money from its pocket? It is tax money of the people from Ladakh. You people give to the Union Government as GST, is being returned for the development of this area. It is your money and they are not doing any charity.”
Dismissing the propaganda unleashed by opposition that he along with other NC leaders has come to Kargil for disturbing peace and brotherhood, Omar said,” I am here for the last two days. Where is any disturbance or violence? Whatever I talked at Jammu, Srinagar or Delhi, I spoke here too. Is there any disturbance or threat to peace here in Kargil?” Omar asked.
The NC leader said his party would work for the development, justice and rights of the people from Ladakh. The party would continue to represent the aspirations of the people of Kargil and entire Ladakh region in future as well, Omar added.
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