UN has failed to maintain LoC sanctity: Omar

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 22: The UN Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has failed in its duty to maintain sanctity of the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said today.
“Unfortunately, if the last two-and-a-half decades are any indication, this organisation (UNMOGIP) has done nothing to maintain the sanctity of the LoC,” Omar told reporters after laying foundation stone of ‘Tehzeeb Mahal’.
The UNMOGIP was set up in 1949 to supervise the ceasefire at the Line of Control.
Asked about the Centre’s rejection of Pakistan’s suggestion for using the services of UNMOGIP in Kashmir to maintain peace and tranquillity across the LoC, Omar said “It is a matter between Government of India and the United Nations.”
“For more than 22 years, Jammu and Kashmir has been the victim of cross-border and cross-LoC terror. Inspite of the presence of the United Nations here, I have yet to see any strictures or any notice taken of the repeated violations on the LoC.
“The Kargil conflict took place as a result of the violation of the LoC. The UN was singularly unsuccessful in either avoiding that or resolving it,” Omar said, adding that whatever the Government of India has thought about (UNMOGIP) has obviously been thought about in the light of these things.
The Chief Minister said the move should not be confused with the resolution of Kashmir issue.
“I understand some people will confuse this move with the ultimate resolution of the problem of Jammu and Kashmir. I think it is important to understand that this observer group was not placed here because of what happened in 1947…It was placed here to prevent the tension on the LoC which they have failed to resolve or to sort out,” he said.
Asserting that the recent skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC) would have no bearing on tourist arrivals in Jammu and Kashmir, Omar said the internal situation holds the key for the success of tourism in the State.
“There is always some sort of tension at some places along the LoC. Last year also, such type of incidents had happened on the LoC but they had no bearing on tourism in the State,” Omar said.
However, he said the internal law and order situation definitely has an impact on the tourism in the State.
“Internal law and order situation in the State has a bearing on tourism and therefore we are trying to maintain peace with the cooperation of the people,” the Chief Minister said.
Omar expressed hope that the situation will remain peaceful during the current year like the last two years.
“We are trying our best to keep the situation peaceful in 2013 as was the case in 2011 and 2012. The biggest thing is that we had full cooperation of the people in 2012. It was by the efforts of the people that we were able to defeat the nefarious designs of those bent upon to create trouble last year,” he said.
The Chief Minister declined to comment on the statement of Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde that BJP and RSS were involved in terror in the country, saying “why should I get involved into what the Home Minister said”.
“He (Shinde) is the Home Minister of the country. He gets every information and I can only say about Jammu and Kashmir. He is heading all the intelligence agencies of the country and obviously, if he has said something like this, it would be based on some information. He is not irresponsible to say anything without having proper information,” Omar said in reply to a question.
Earlier in his speech after laying the foundation stone of the Tehzeeb Mahal, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages is a complete treasure of memorabilia which can be properly displayed in the coming up Tehzeeb Mahal for all to witness and get educated about the rich heritage of Kashmir.
He said that Rs 64.89 crore 3-storeyed Tehzeeb Mahal project will be a modern cultural complex in traditional architecture with state-of-the-art facilities related to art and culture.
The Chief Minister said that recently Cultural Academy unveiled a bit of its treasure by displaying historic, rear and ancient works of Quranic calligraphy in an exhibition here which mesmerized the visitors. “There are numerous such works of art, culture, literature, languages and heritage preserved in Cultural Academy. Tehzeeb Mahal would be most appropriate for displaying these for public,” he said adding that this complex could also serve as an important centre for literary conferences and meetings.
Omar also referred to the newly constructed Museum at Srinagar and said that he has asked the concerned agency to complete its internal requirements pertaining to the display of historic valuables in a befitting manner and making the security foolproof. He said the Tourism Department has already taken measures in this direction.
He said that he has asked the Tourism Department to formulate a calendar with Cultural Academy for holding various events of cultural programmes utilizing the already completed amphitheatres across the Valley. “This would provide added attraction to the visitors in the State during tourist season,” he said.
The Chief Minister directed for printing broachers, leaflets and posters for tourists about activities of the Cultural Academy and keeping these available at Airports, Railway Stations, Tourist Information Centers and other such places for tourists.
Omar said over 13 lakh visitors came to Kashmir this year ,which is expected to grow further. “In order to make them aware of the State’s rich cultural heritage and make their stay more eventful, Tourism Department and Cultural Academy should formulate such programmes jointly,” he emphasized.
In his welcome address ,Secretary Cultural Academy, Khalid Bashir said that the building will have special architectural finishes in tune with local heritage architecture including maharaji bricks, deji dewari look, devri stone cladding, khatamband ceiling, pinjra and jaffri work, paper machie and sozni work on walls and log bridge and heritage fort wall.
Bashir said that the Ground Floor will have auditorium with a seating capacity of 600, Folk Replica Centre, Art Gallery, Administration Space and Intimate Theatre Studio with seating capacity of 200. “The First Floor will house Auditorium Balcony, Exhibition Hall-1, Handicrafts Display Room, Library and Conference Hall. The Second Floor will have Exhibition Hall-2 and Heritage Museum. An Open Air Theatre and Sculpture Garden will be other facilities available at the Tehzeeb Mahal. The basement of the building measuring 46,123 square feet will be used for parking and housing services”, he added.
Bashir said that J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages has a rich collection of manuscripts, paintings, miniatures, sculptures, artefacts, reference books, photographs etc. Due to the limited space available with the Academy, this treasure trove could not be displayed for public viewing except occasionally by holding limited exhibitions. The Tehzeeb Mahal will resolve this problem and make possible round-the year display of our magnificent heritage besides turning into the permanent and colourful address of the State’s culture. It will also serve as a major attraction for tourists interested in knowing about the heritage and culture of the State.
Noted writer Padam Shree Rehman Rahi highlighted the significance of Tehzeeb Mahal project for the growth, development and preservation of State’s rich art, culture, languages and heritage.

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