TMC visit offers solidarity in difficult times: CM

CM Omar Abdullah meeting with physically challenged people at Raabta office in Srinagar on Friday.
CM Omar Abdullah meeting with physically challenged people at Raabta office in Srinagar on Friday.

‘Duty of Govt to reach out to people’

Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, May 23: With the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC)’s five-member delegation currently visiting shelling-affected areas along the borders and the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said their visit offers a sense of solidarity during these “difficult times.”

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Speaking to reporters here, the CM said that it (outreach) was the TMC that initiated the outreach-now followed by the visit of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to Poonch-and that its delegation is visiting affected areas and meeting people.

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“I am thankful to the TMC because they initiated it; their five members came and went by road to Poonch. Currently, they are in Rajouri, and after that, they will go to Jammu. Their being here, listening to people, is good, and we feel some people stand with us during these difficult times,” he said.
On Rahul Gandhi’s visit, Omar said he will be visiting Poonch tomorrow, where he will meet people and express sympathies with them.
Speaking about his weekly public outreach, which he holds at the Raabta office in Srinagar as well as in Jammu, Omar said it is the responsibility of an elected representative to listen to people and work toward resolving their issues.
“It is nothing new, because it is the duty of an elected Government or elected representative to reach out to people as far as possible, listen to their issues, and resolve them,” he said.
Omar added that the Government has never claimed all issues would be resolved immediately. “But what we have said is that we will listen to everyone and implement that, and that’s what I am doing,” he said.
Regarding damage assessment reports from districts affected by cross-LoC shelling earlier this month, the CM said: “Reports are pending from two districts; once they are received, we will take it up with the Centre and will try to formulate a compensation package for the affected.”
Meanwhile, Omar conducted a weekly Public Outreach Programme at the Chief Minister’s Raabta Office at Gupkar here, engaging directly with the public to address their issues and concerns.
Former J&K Minister Mohammad Ashraf Mir brought to the Chief Minister’s attention various developmental challenges in Athwajan, Pantha Chowk and surrounding areas.
Students from the SPS Library, MA Road Lal Chowk, requested the extension of library hours and resolution of internet connectivity and other student-related issues.
“Libraries are vital to a learning society-we are committed to making them more modern and student-friendly. All genuine concerns will be looked into,” the CM assured the students delegation.
A delegation led by Peerzada Masood Hamdani from Khankah-e-Moula raised concerns related to the upkeep and development of the Khankah shrine, along with other local matters.
Retired veterinary employees presented issues related to pay anomalies and pension disbursements. Similarly, employees of the J&K Sports Council sought the Chief Minister’s intervention regarding the grant of pensionary benefits to Council staff.
Social workers associated with Special Cells advocated for the continuation and strengthening of Special Cells for Women in Jammu and Kashmir.
Employees of the J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) also met with the Chief Minister to discuss matters concerning their career progression and other employment-related concerns.
A delegation of visually impaired and physically challenged individuals, led by Showkat Ahmad Lone, highlighted several key issues, including free public transport, accessibility in educational institutions and government offices, skill development programs, and an establishment of a single-window system for grievance redressal.
In addition, a delegation led by hotelier Mushtaq Burza appealed for Government support in the revival of tourism and raised key concerns relating to the industry, trade and hospitality sectors.
Representatives from Kishtwar voiced their concerns related to Waqf properties and other local developmental issues.
Several other delegations comprising sitting and former MLAs, public representatives, and concerned citizens also met with the Chief Minister to raise issues such as old-age pensions, access to potable drinking water, and infrastructure development in their respective constituencies.
The Chief Minister patiently listened to all delegations and assured prompt and priority-based redressal of their genuine concerns.
On-the-spot instructions were issued by the Chief Minister in several cases to ensure swift resolution of grievances.
“We remain committed to listening, resolving issues, and building a responsive and people-centric Government,” he added.
Advisor to CM, Nasir Aslam Wani and other senior officers were present during the public hearing.