Jammu, Mar 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday criticised Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma for repeatedly using the term ‘Jihad’ in political discourse, urging politicians to be mindful of their language to avoid hurting religious sentiments.
Speaking to reporters, Omar said that BJP members expressed their outrage over a remark they deemed offensive. “Everyone has religious sentiments. Today, BJP members were visibly upset when one of their members made a comment that was in poor taste. I believe that remark should not have been made,” he said, calling for greater restraint from all political sides.
Asked about LoP Sharma’s remark on a “legislative Jihad” by the National Conference, Omar questioned the repeated use of the term, saying, “What is the LoP trying to prove? That Muslims only know Jihad?” He emphasised that no statements should target or offend any community.
On Sharma’s comments about settling outsiders in J&K, Omar quipped, “Let him settle them in Paddar; I have no objections.”
The Chief Minister’s comments came shortly after he addressed the demise of Gurez leader Faqir Mohammad Khan, a former BJP MLA who allegedly took his own life.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described him as a grassroot leader who worked tirelessly for the development of Gurez. “I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and pray for peace to the departed soul,” Abdullah said.
Omar also assured that issues related to the Satwari protest would be resolved with the involvement of the Deputy Chief Minister’s team. “I don’t want anyone to suffer. We are concerned about their welfare too,” he said.
‘Announces one-time power amnesty scheme’
The Chief Minister announced that the current amnesty scheme would continue only for this year, with no further extensions.
“We have provided amnesty several times, but we can’t continue this indefinitely. It’s unfair to those who pay regularly,” he said.
“Giving amnesty, again and again, is not good,” he remarked, citing an example: “I, Omar Abdullah, and LOP Sunil Sharma are neighbours. Sunil ji pays his power bill on time, I don’t. When amnesty comes, my bill is waived, and Sunil ji says, ‘What is happening? Why am I paying?’ So, this is the last time I will give amnesty on power bills, not in the future.”
He proposed a new scheme that would offer incentives for outstanding dues based on future payments, aiming to foster a culture of timely bill payment. The Chief Minister also reiterated the importance of metering to improve revenue collection and reduce losses.
LA passes grants for depts under purview of CM
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today approved grants totaling ₹59,431.23 lakh for the General Administration Department (GAD), ₹56,009.69 lakh for Planning, ₹14,183.38 lakh for Information, ₹12,47,727.65 lakh for the Power Development Department (PDD), ₹62,70,347.94 lakh for Finance, ₹7,083.77 lakh for Parliamentary Affairs, ₹76,284.53 lakh for the Law Department (excluding the Election Department), ₹81,073.94 lakh for Revenue, ₹4,06,130.30 lakh for Housing & Urban Development (H&UDD), ₹61,280.18 lakh for Tourism, ₹46,683.86 lakh for Hospitality, Protocol & Estates, ₹20,459.31 lakh for Culture, and ₹1,96,369.04 lakh for Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRRR). These grants were passed after three days of extensive discussions in the House.
