Free rides for women launched in J&K: Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, April 01: Fulfilling a promise made during the Budget session, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday announced the commencement of free rides for women in State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) and Smart Buses across Jammu and Kashmir.

“During the Budget session, we made it clear that SRTC and Smart Buses will offer free rides to women. Today, we have started the service to make travelling easier for them, hoping it contributes to their betterment and safety,” Omar Abdullah stated while interacting with the media.

He emphasized that the initiative is aimed at facilitating women’s mobility, whether for education, shopping, or leisure. “Whether they travel for educational purposes, shopping, or loitering, we hope this service benefits them,” he added.

Addressing concerns over potential revenue losses, the Chief Minister assured that the zero-fare tickets would not impact SRTC or Smart Buses financially. “We will compensate the losses from the Budget,” he clarified, adding that the service will be operational in all districts where these buses ply.

On Amit Shah’s Visit to J&K

Speaking about Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s scheduled visit, Omar Abdullah stated that it was planned before the recent series of encounters in Kathua. “The Kathua incident just coincided with his visit; otherwise, it was scheduled before those events unfolded,” he explained.

He further noted that security review is not the only agenda for Shah’s visit. “He also has a procession in Jammu, while in Srinagar, he will review development projects and inaugurate certain initiatives,” he said.

Omar Abdullah remarked that this is not the first time Amit Shah is visiting Kashmir, drawing comparisons with past visits of other Union Ministers like P. Chidambaram and Sushilkumar Shinde. “Last year, he tried to help us. We demanded more funds, and we got them. So, this time we will demand whatever help we need, and we will get it,” he stated confidently.

On Waqf Amendment Bill

Addressing the upcoming Waqf Amendment Bill set to be tabled in Parliament, the Chief Minister expressed strong reservations. “It is difficult for us to accept this bill. Only one religion (implying Islam) is being targeted through it,” he asserted.

He pointed out that every religion has its own institutions and charitable wings. “We, as Muslims, contribute to charity through Waqf, and targeting Waqf is regrettable. Actions are being taken solely against our charity system,” he said.

While acknowledging that the final decision lies with the Indian Parliament, Omar Abdullah made it clear that his party will oppose the bill vehemently. “We can never support it, and our MPs will oppose it with full force,” he declared.