Srinagar, Dec 19: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss a timeline for the restoration of statehood and situation in J&K.
Omar Abdullah met with Shah before a security review meeting on J&K at the Ministry of Home Affairs. After his meeting with Omar Abdullah, Shah chaired a meeting with J&K officials, including Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, DGP Nalin Prabhat, and others.
This was Omar Abdullah’s second meeting with Amit Shah since he assumed office as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Omar had earlier met with Shah on October 23 during his first visit to the national capital after assuming office on October 16.
Speaking to media after the meeting, Omar said that the talks primarily focused on the restoration of statehood and situation in Jammu and Kashmir. “The meeting with Home Minister was regarding the situation in J&K and the restoration of statehood,” he said, adding that he expects positive steps towards the reinstatement of statehood for the J&K.
On being asked if Business rules were discussed with HM, Omar said that Business rules have nothing to do with the Government of India. It has to be decided by the elected government of Jammu and Kashmir, approved by the Cabinet, and then sent to the Left Indian Governor,” he said.
Speaking on security issues, Chief Minister said that he assured the Home Minister that to effectively combat terrorism, the people of J&K need to be involved. “I assured the Home Minister that you cannot compete with militancy in vacuum. To compete with militancy and terror, the people of J&K must be taken into confidence.”
Omar said that continued cooperation between the J&K government and the Union Government will benefit the people. “We spoke in a good environment, and it is expected that we will continue to work like this for the benefit of the people of J&K,” he added.
Regarding the potential imposition of a 28% GST on handloom carriers, Omar said that while he has not yet seen any proposal, his government would strongly oppose such a move if it reaches the GST Council. “It will not only affect us but also other states, and we will fight it vigorously,” he said.
In reply to a question on ongoing protests over the Shrine Board, Omar said that matter is under the purview of the Lieutenant Governor’s office.
