Srinagar, Sep 07: Asserting that he stays in touch with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss various issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said there is continuous communication between the J&K Government and the Centre over several matters, including restoration of statehood, business rules, reservation and the appointment of an Advocate General.
Talking to reporters here, CM Omar, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “I stay in touch with the Home Minister. There are many issues between Jammu and Kashmir and the Central Government that need to be discussed. Be it about statehood or business rules.”
He said Jammu and Kashmir has been without an Advocate General for nearly two years. “It is been almost two years since our Advocate General was appointed. He hasn’t been appointed yet,” the Chief Minister said.
On the reservation issue, CM Omar said the response that had to be sent by the J&K Cabinet to the Government of India has already been prepared, but remains pending. “The reservation issue, which the Cabinet had to answer to the Central Government, has been prepared. But that answer has not yet been sent to the Government of India,” he said.
“So, there were many issues that I met the Home Minister about,” Omar added.
ON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Welcoming the first International Film Festival being organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Government, CM Omar said the event would provide exposure to international cinema as well as the local film industry. “It’s a good thing. The first International Film Festival is being organised by the Government,” he said.
CM Omar said the festival would expose local audiences, including film enthusiasts and students of mass communication, to films from around the world. “The first is to give exposure to the films of the world. The people here are either fans or students of mass communication. To give them this kind of exposure,” he said.
He added that the festival would also help provide exposure to the local film industry and revive Kashmir’s historic association with cinema. “Then our local film industry also gets exposure. We are trying to remind the film industry of the past. Before Switzerland and other countries, films were made in Kashmir,” CM Omar said.
“We would like that to happen again,” he added.
On reports that two women journalists were assaulted by Delhi Police, Omar termed the incident unfortunate. “What can one say? It’s an unfortunate situation,” he said, adding, “It’s a pity. It shouldn’t have come to this,” he added.
ON PROTESTING INTERNS
On the issue concerning protesting interns, Omar said the matter falls under the Health Department and that the government would act after the department takes a decision. “But it is a matter of the Health Department. Until the Health Department takes a decision, no other department can do anything,” he said.
CM Omar said Health Minister Sakina Itoo has spoken to them and has assured them that their issues will be resolved.
“I would like this matter to be resolved as soon as possible. It’s not in anyone’s interest. First of all, their work is suffering. Their internship is suffering,” the Chief Minister said.
“And we don’t want our children to do this. But in the end, the Health Department will have to take a decision first. After that, the Government will take a decision,” he added.
On threats to migrants, the Chief Minister said the security establishment should take such threats seriously and investigate them. “This is something that obviously the security establishment needs to take seriously. It’s not something that should be ignored,” CM Omar said. (KNO)
