- CM decries suspicion faced by Kashmiris across country
- Says driving J&K-registered vehicle in Delhi now seen as ‘crime’
Srinagar, Nov 19: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that Jammu and Kashmir has seen enough bloodshed over the last more than 30 years, which must stop now.
Speaking to the reporters, CM Omar, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the Centre claimed that such a situation would stop after 2019, but that didn’t happen. “Why has it hasn’t it happened? Those responsible for security should answer,” he said, adding, “We don’t have control over security.”
He added, “What can we say about the present situation? If it is not exploding in Delhi, then it explodes in Kashmir. I visited the families of five victims yesterday. Today, I am visiting two more families. We want such bloodshed to stop. Jammu and Kashmir, especially the valley, has seen enough bloodshed in the last more than 30 years.”
Earlier, addressing a gathering, the Chief Minister said that a few people are responsible for the Delhi terror blast. “But an atmosphere was being created as if all of us were guilty, as if we were all involved. I don’t even like saying what I am saying. But the truth is the truth,” he said.
Abdullah said driving a Jammu and Kashmir-registered vehicle in Delhi is considered a crime. “I even have to think whether I would take out my car without security or not. I don’t know who will stop me and ask where I am from and what I am doing there,” he said, adding that the families are now reluctant to send their children outside the valley as the people from J&K are being looked at with suspicion.
Meanwhile, Omar told reporters that 30,000 DPRs have been approved under Mission YUVA, but only 9,000 cases have been sanctioned by the bank. “We are putting our efforts to reduce the gap so that sanctioning of cases is further increased,” he said.
Notably, CM Abdullah inaugurated a two-day J&K Business & Trade Fair organised by the District Administration Kulgam in collaboration with Mission YUVA. The fair aims to promote entrepreneurship and provide a platform for business innovation and growth for businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.
After formally inaugurating the event, the Chief Minister inspected various stalls established by entrepreneurs and business establishments. He interacted with the participants and lauded their contribution towards promoting business enterprises and generating livelihood opportunities in the district.
Addressing the gathering, Omar said that while the government is working to create jobs, it is not possible to provide government employment to everyone. Therefore, it is essential to create self-employment avenues, and schemes like Mission YUVA have been devised to fulfil this objective, he said.
The CM emphasised that banks must ensure smooth disbursement of cases under various entrepreneurship schemes and assured budding entrepreneurs of all possible support from the government. “The Mission Youth is aimed at empowering young people to explore innovative ideas, build sustainable businesses, contribute to the region’s economic progress, and evolve into job creators,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of trade fairs, Omar said they play a crucial role in strengthening the economy by offering emerging entrepreneurs opportunities to showcase their talent, connect with wider markets, and expand their business networks.
During the event, the CM visited entrepreneur stalls, business units, and departmental exhibits and interacted with the participants. He distributed sanction letters to beneficiaries under the Mission YUVA scheme. (KNO)
