Sgr-Jmu NH restoration Govt’s priority, Mughal Road on standby: CM

Srinagar, Apr 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday said that all efforts were being put in to restore the Srinagar- Jammu National Highway near the Ramban-Banihal sector.

Talking to reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar said that, as per the reports received, the situation in some areas of Ramban was “really very bad”, especially around the highway.

“On Sunday, the Deputy Chief Minister visited the spot to assess the situation. Our two local MLAs from Ramban and Banihal are also present there. We are trying to restore the highway. We are also trying to restore residential areas which were hit by landslides,” he said.

The CM said he would personally visit Ramban to assess the ground situation and chair a meeting with the officers.

“Whatever instructions are needed will be passed to the officers,” he said.

CM Omar said that relief was also being arranged.

“We are also trying to reach out to the Centre while the National Disaster Force (NDF) has also been sent there,” he said.

The CM said that the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund besides other relief funds would also be tapped.

“Wherever there has been a loss, people will get the compensation,” he said.

About the availability of essentials, CM Omar assured people that there was no shortage of supplies.

“I want to assure people that there is no shortage of supplies. There is no need for hoarding,” he said.

The CM said that no trader should resort to black marketing.

“The government officers have been given clear instructions. Wherever there is any complaint of black marketing or prices are raised unnecessarily, strict regulation must be ensured and strict action taken,” he said.

CM Omar said that the Police should be informed and a case should be filed against those who resort to black marketing in the prevailing situation.

“In case of need, those indulging in black marketing should be arrested. I want to tell people that if there is a complaint of black marketing, please file a complaint with the government so that we can take action against them,” he said. The CM said that while the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remains closed, the government could use the alternate Mughal Road.

“We can bring the goods via Mughal Road if the need arises,” he said.

CM Omar expressed hope that within a day or two, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway would be restored at least for one-way traffic.

‘Judicial review Waqf Bill amendment shouldn’t be politicised’

Regarding the judicial review of the Waqf Bill amendment, the CM said that the Supreme Court (SC) had the jurisdiction to review the actions of the Centre or any government body.

“Didn't we approach the SC over Article 370? Even when an emergency was declared during Indira Gandhi’s tenure, wasn’t that challenged in the court? Judicial review should not be politicised,” he said.

CM Omar said that it was not the first time when the Supreme Court had intervened to review government decisions but there had been many incidents in which the apex court had reviewed the work of the government.

“So, today, if someone goes to the Supreme Court, it should not be politicised,” he said.

The CM said that the Supreme Court had its jurisdiction while the legislature had its jurisdiction.

He said that the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly had done its part and the matter was now sub judice.

“So far we have managed to secure some relief from the court. The interference of non-Muslims has been halted and self-declared Waqf is currently not being stopped. Let the Supreme Court do its work. We will wait for their decision,” CM Omar said.