Srinagar, Jan 02 : The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held a press conference today at the Sheri-i-kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
Here are the key Takeaways from Today’s Press Conference:
“I hope twice a year we can have these interactions without any artificial boundaries. I hope to be more open and accessible to you (the Press) in this term.” J&K CM.
“It is important to respect all cultures. I wear a Sozni cap because it is a part of my heritage. I wore a Pagdi in Jammu because of my respect for all cultures. It does not weaken my faith.”
“We are in the process to formulate a policy for those leaseholders whose leases have ended eg the Gulmarg and Pahalgam hoteliers, also for the Roshni scheme land holders.”
On reservation – “The sub committee will function as stipulated. The HC decision and eventually the SC decision will however be binding on the sub-committee’s findings.”
“On going exercise on the part of the government to put into place the business rules so that if there is any uncertainty, it can be cleared. It will be shared with legal luminaries, after that it has to go to the LG.
The martyrs of 13th July and Sheikh Abdullah Sb do not need a holiday to remember their legacy. Almost everything we do is a part of it.”
“The NC manifesto was based on a 5 year term, that said we are aware we are certain time frames that we are supposed to adhere. Some of the things we had promised- the resolution for statehood, resolution for special status and constitutional guarantees, the reversal of the winter school zone, we were going to go with the power announcement but we felt it was more important that supply had to be increased, public participation in governance has increased, we will give you the exact report card after the first 100 days.”
On Ruhullah’s protest “National Conference is a democratic Party, everyone has a right to put forth their voices. At one point it was impossible to even think of protesting but today they reached the CMs office, and after that met me.
As far as reservations are concerned, the Sub committee has been formed, High Court is listening to the case too. But the bigger cause is protection of our lands and jobs for ourselves and not the internal fight.
Now that the Parliament session is about to start, I hope he leads a similar protest along with other leaders for the restoration of our statehood.”
“Even if we were to say Kashmir issue has been resolved, what about the part across LOC on the other side? Is that resolved too? The issue remains.”