Calls for strict action in Ramban case
Suhail Bhat
Srinagar Apr 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that his government won’t allow ‘Jungle Raj’ to be established in Jammu and Kashmir, as he called for strict action following an alleged vigilante assault in Ramban area.
Speaking to reporters in Anantnag, Omar urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure those responsible are held accountable after reports that a 25-year-old man, Tanveer Ahmad Chopan, was chased and beaten by suspected cow vigilantes.
According to reported claims, Chopan was transporting a cow and two calves in a vehicle from Jammu to his village in Ramban when he was allegedly intercepted, pursued and assaulted. Some reports suggest the incident may have resulted in his death, although officials have yet to confirm full details.
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Condemning the incident, the Chief Minister said it was wrong for individuals to take the law into their own hands. “Who gave them permission to do this? Where has it been said that whoever is transporting animals is doing something illegal? These people are engaging in hooliganism. They want to run a jungle state here.”
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He added that he is an elected representative of people and his government would not allow such a situation to develop. “We will not allow this jungle state to be established in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The Chief Minister also indicated that the issue had been raised with the central government and that further steps would be taken once approvals are secured.
Omar also spoke about broader governance and policy initiatives, describing the current period as “a new spring” and a fresh beginning for the region.
He said that during the recent budget session, several key decisions had been taken. These include provisions to supply free six-cylinder cooking gas to poorer households and the rollout of a free electricity initiative under a solar power scheme.
The Chief Minister also highlighted what he described as a major decision to allow private universities to be established in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said students from the region often face financial and logistical difficulties when travelling to other states for higher education.
“We have opened the doors for private universities to come here,” he said, adding that the Government plans to reach out to institutions across India and invite them to set up campuses in both Jammu and Kashmir, including remote areas.
Omar said the move would enable local students to pursue higher education within the Union Territory, reducing costs and hardship.
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