Elected Govt supporting efforts to restore peace in J&K: CM Omar

Jammu, Mar 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday said that though it was not its direct responsibility yet the elected government was supporting efforts to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Elected government is trying its best to contribute to ensure that the situation remains conducive; does not spiral out of control and J&K continues to remain peaceful,” the CM said responding to the queries of media persons, regarding spurt in terror attacks, outside the House, before the proceedings for the day began.

“Such incidents have taken place earlier also. As far as I know, no contact has been established. Search and cordon operation was launched following some suspicious movement. We will see how things take turns and the situation develops. Earlier also they have made attempts. Since the area is along the border. So probably they would have infiltrated to this side (from across the border. But at this moment it would be too early to make any presumptions,” he said, responding to a query about the Hiranagar encounter and ongoing search operation.

“Let’s see if someone is caught there; the situation will be analysed thereafter,” CM Omar said.

He did not buy the contention that Kathua and Billawar were being mainly targeted (by the terrorists).

“No, Jammu’s many belts are being targeted. This (terrorist incidents) is not an issue restricted to Kathua and Billawar. Rajouri and Poonch, too, have witnessed similar incidents. Though directly this (security, law and order) is not our responsibility, still effort is being made to support efforts to ensure restoration of peace,” the CM said.

In the same breath, he said, “I reiterate it time and again that without the cooperation of people, we will not be able to wipe out militancy.”

When his comment was sought on the countrywide protests on Waqf Bill, CM Omar said, “This is but natural as there are apprehensions about it. One particular religion is being targetted.”

“Religious institutions are associated with every religion. There is no religion which does not have its own institutions; there is no religion which does not involve in charitable activities. In the case of Muslims, most of the charitable activities are performed through Waqf. But on a selective basis, the institution of one particular religion is being targeted. Obviously, this will lead to tension,” he said.