Vested interests can’t derail J&K’s development: CM Omar

Srinagar, Oct 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday said that he would not allow “vested interests” to prevent the benefits of peace and development from reaching the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who “enthusiastically” participated in the recent elections.

Talking to reporters at SKIMS, the chief minister had gone to enquire about the condition of those injured in the Gagangeer attack on Sunday night, Omar said he would ensure that no obstacles impede the flow of developmental benefits to the people of J&K.

“The people have taken part in elections with enthusiasm with the hope that there will be improvement in their lives. We will not step back from that mission,” he said.

On whether those with vested interests were trying to target the development projects in J&K, the CM said he would not allow that to happen.

“When did the vested interests want the situation here to normalise? This is nothing new. But we have defeated these very vested interests in the past and we will defeat them again,” he said.

"We will not allow the development here to be stopped. If there are shortcomings in the security grid, we will remove them. I spoke to the DGP and we would advise all big projects not to take security issues lightly. Whatever they can do on their own, let them do it and let the security forces fill the gaps that remain,” the CM said.

He termed the attack as "very unfortunate".

"Words are not enough to condemn this attack. What can be achieved by the use of terror against innocents? We have been seeing this for the past 35 years and nothing has changed in J&K. Whatever can be achieved for Jammu and Kashmir, it can be done in a peaceful atmosphere. The reason behind this attack is to prove that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is not conducive," the CM said.

He said the administration, especially Police and security forces, would have to be extra alert and ensure that such attacks are not repeated.

"We have seen such an attack on a big project after many years. Before this, an attack took place at an IRCON camp when a railway tunnel was being executed," the CM said.

On the oath-taking of MLAs earlier in the day, the chief minister said the first session of the Legislative Assembly will be held in the first week of November.

"Next month, the first week of November, the session of the legislature will take place. The legislature will start its work," he said.