Jammu, Mar 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday emphasised that terrorism cannot be eradicated in Jammu and Kashmir without the active involvement of the people.
Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly in Jammu, the CM acknowledged the government’s support to the Union Home Ministry in ensuring the security situation remains peaceful across the Union Territory.
“My government is extending support to the Union Home Ministry to ensure the security situation remains peaceful in the Union Territory. Though security is not directly our responsibility, I am repeatedly saying that terrorism cannot be finished without the support of the people,” Omar said. He added that the elected government is working alongside the Lieutenant Governor to maintain peace and control the situation.
The Chief Minister’s comments came in response to a question about the ongoing anti-terrorism operation in Sanyal village near the International Border in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district. “Such things have happened in the past as well, and as far as my information is concerned, no contact was established with terrorists. The search and cordon operation, launched on the basis of suspicious movement, is going on, and let us see how the situation develops,” Omar said.
Omar further elaborated on the broader challenge of terrorism in the region, stating that the activities of terrorists in areas like Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch in recent years were part of an ongoing effort to disturb the prevailing peace. “The activities of terrorists in these areas are aimed at disrupting the peace, and we must continue to work together to counter these efforts,” the CM added.
When asked about Wakf (Amendment) Bill, Omar said “Religious institutions are affiliated with every religion, and every religion carries out charitable activities. Muslims carry out charitable activities through Waqf, but it is being selectively targeted,” Omar stated.
Rs 144 Cr disbursed as compensation to border villagers
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday said that that Rs 144 crore has been disbursed as compensation to villagers whose lands were affected by the border fencing.
In response to supplementary questions in the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister acknowledged the numerous challenges faced by people in border villages. He further stated that his government plans to convene a meeting with MLAs from border areas in April to discuss and address their issues.
The Chief Minister was addressing concerns raised by various MLAs from different parties regarding the difficulties faced by border residents. “This is a humanitarian issue. People in border areas face many challenges,” he remarked. “After the Assembly session concludes, I will organize a meeting with all MLAs representing border areas along with concerned officials. The government will take all necessary steps to address the situation,” he assured.
Several BJP members, including Vijay Kumar, Surjit Singh Salathia, Devinder Kumar Manyal, and CPI(M) member M.Y. Tarigami, raised questions about land compensation, the impact of border fencing on local agricultural activities, and the deteriorating conditions of border villages.
A brief exchange of words occurred between Tarigami and BJP MLA Balwant Manokita. The latter had alleged that there are no border areas in Tarigami’s constituency and questioned his interest in issues related to Jammu’s border regions. Tarigami, in response, defended his right to raise questions on any area, asserting that Jammu does not belong exclusively to Balwant Manokita.
The Chief Minister also clarified that the government has allocated Rs 155.08 crore for compensation. Of this, Rs 144.12 crore has already been disbursed to landowners, while the remaining amount is pending due to ongoing title verifications. “We are not withholding funds. There remains an unspent balance of Rs 11 crore in the disbursement process. I will instruct the concerned department to expedite this process. The border issue is not limited to one MLA’s concern; it is a broader issue for people in border areas, whether in Jammu or the Kashmir Valley,” the Chief Minister emphasized.
Earlier, during the Question Hour, Revenue Minister Sakina Itoo responded to a question from Hiranagar MLA Vijay Kumar, revealing that the BSF has acquired 13,415 kanals of land across 113 villages in the Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts of Jammu division for border fencing along the Indo-Pak border. She added that the BSF has established fencing along a 135-foot-wide strip in these districts. The fencing has been installed both along the international border and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir to prevent terrorist infiltration from across the border. Due to the proximity to the fencing, lands near the border have become uncultivable. Farmers whose lands have been affected are receiving cash compensation for their loss.
