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| Ignoring BJP 'cause' for bandh, Omar re-asserts on remarks over Accession | | Says US can 'facilitate' Indo-Pak dialogue over Kashmir | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
Jammu, Nov 8: Notwithstanding the BJP sponsored bandh today against the remarks of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over Accession of J&K to India, the latter chose to assert that he had no regrets over his 'utterances'. Omar said he stood by what he stated on the floor of the Assembly as this was the 'political reality' of the J&K state.
On the first day of re opening of offices in the winter capital, when BJP and other organizations called for bandh to convey Jammu's resentment over the remarks, Omar went on to say he was conscious what he said, asserting that he knew well Assembly was the most appropriate Forum to echo this sentiment and he completely stood by every word he uttered on the floor of the House.
"I stand by what I said and do not want to change any part of it…… those who have gone through the entire speech completely agreed with its substance and even those who later tried to make noise on the issue outside the House, appreciated the speech by thumping the desks in the Assembly", he asserted, while hinting clearly at BJP MLAs, who Omar said "these were the same very people who were thumping when I was making my speech," .Wondering at the criticism, he advised those who talk about the issue outside the House to deliberate upon it in the Legislature adding, "any person having any doubt should use the forum of legislature to talk about the substance of my speech instead of making statements outside the House".
In response to a question Chief Minister said that he expected US President Barack Obama to 'facilitate the talks between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. "Mediation is a very sensitive expression……… there is no space or scope for mediation over the issue and we will not allow it …..but as a friend US can help facilitate Indo-Pak dialogue", the Chief Minister said adding that "We are extremely sensitive to anything that appears even close to mediation ……. obviously it is not acceptable," he said, adding US administration as a friend came forward and facilitated even in the aftermath of Kargil intrusion by Pakistan.
" If the US wants us to help, all they can try to get Pakistan to see things from our point of view and help the process from behind the scene," he said adding that situation should not be seen through the prism of Pakistan. Omar said J&K has been the largest victim of that terrorism during last 20 years and there is commonality of interest between India and United States to see the elimination of terrorism as it was itself suffering on this count.
Asked about his reaction to the chief of army staff's concern that aid to Pakistan by US was being used for instigating terror in Jammu & Kashmir, Omar said he did not have information to suggest one way or the other on this issue as it is more of a concern of the army chief than his.
However, if the United States is going to give aid to Pakistan, it is in their interest to ensure that Pakistan uses it for the purpose which it was intended for, he said. In reply to another question whether he had met and invited President Obama and his wife to Kashmir, Omar said, "I did have the opportunity to share some moments with Obama and his wife and during the course of which I was able to tell them a little bit about Jammu and Kashmir. "It was only an informal interaction……moreover I do not think it was appropriate forum to say anything beyond that…", he explained.
However, he said as the easier issues can be tackled, more confidence can be built into the system and the credibility gap that exists in the dialogue process can be eased and obviously it will be stronger to tackle the important issue like J&K.
What President Obama said is based on sound logic, Omar said adding, "it may not make sense to our friends from across the border because they say first Kashmir and everything else later."
Responding to the queries related to state, the Chief Minister significantly said that "the rehabilitation policy for the youth willing to return to the State from across LoC with the urge to be peaceful citizens and not to resort to any violence has been finalized…..the draft has been prepared awaits Cabinet nod. "I expect its clearance by the Cabinet in its next meet", he said and made it clear once again that rehabilitation policy was totally different from the surrender policy already in place in the State. In response to another question related to anti hartal moves in parts of Valley Omar said people were fed up with consistent hartals. "People are defying calendars and hartal dictats now ….these are the growing signs of fatigue…." He added.
In reply to a question regarding Central University at Jammu, the Chief Minister observed this has become 'victim of bad politics'. He said said that he has interacted about the early appointment of Vice Chancellor for the University, with the Union Human Resources Development Minister, Kapil Sibal only yesterday. "I have stressed for early decision by the Union Ministry in this direction. |
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