We want restoration of full-statehood to J&K as promised: CM Omar

Jammu, Dec 9: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday reiterated the demand for “restoration of full statehood to J&K” as promised multiple times and stated that “dual power centres were not beneficial for any government.”

About the issue of restoration of water and power supply to Rohingyas settled in Jammu outskirts, CM Omar said that they were human beings and would be treated likewise, as long as they were there (in J&K). He asserted that in any case, the Centre was supposed to take a call about them (regarding deportation or otherwise).

He was responding to the media queries outside the Chamber House following a meeting there.

“Yes, we want statehood. We need statehood and we demand it. This has been promised to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, not once but multiple times, publicly; inside the Parliament and the Supreme Court. Several times this assurance has been given that full statehood will be restored to Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

“Dual power centres are not beneficial for any government. That is why in any state, this kind of system is not in place. There is a single power centre. Jammu and Kashmir also reserves this right. It should have a full state(hood). People have elected a government and that government should be allowed to work (smoothly),” he said.

ON ROHINGYAS

Responding to a question about Rohingyas in Jammu, the Chief Minister described it as a “humanitarian issue.”

“There is a humanitarian issue (related to Rohingyas). The central government has to take a call on what is to be done for them or how to deal with their issue. If they have to be sent back; then take that call (send them back). If you can do it (send them back), do it. But if you cannot send them back, you cannot let them starve to death here,” Omar said.

“You cannot leave them to die in chilling winters. The Government of India should tell – what is to be done with them. As long as they are there, you will have to take care of them, to say the least,” he stated.

“We did not bring them to settle here. They were brought and settled here. If the policy of the Centre (central government) has changed then take them away and put them (Rohingyas) where they (helmsmen at the Centre) wish to... But as long as they are here, they cannot be treated like animals. They are human beings and they should be treated likewise,” he asserted.

ON TIES WITH BANGLADESH

When asked about assaults on minorities in Bangladesh and foreign secretaries meeting, the Chief Minister said that bilateral ties between the two nations had turned a bit strained.

“Yes, some tension is there in India and Bangladesh's relationship in the wake of the prevailing situation (there). Foreign Secretaries are holding meetings and attempts are being made to improve the situation. That (Bangladesh) is our neighbouring nation. It was (Atal Behari) Vajpayee Sahib who had stated – we can change friends but not the neighbours,” the Chief Minister said.

“Our relations with our neighbours remain amiable - perhaps this is our compulsion also and this is an ideal scenario as well. This should be our effort as well that our relationship with the neighbouring nations should be cordial to have a situation sans tension,” he said.

About reports about INDIA bloc members promoting the name of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as its (Bloc’s) chairperson, CM Omar said, “After (LS) elections, no meeting of INDIA bloc has taken place so far. So how come the question arises vis-a-vis change of leadership.”

“Let the meeting take place, if during deliberations there, Mamata Banerjee Sahiba wants to chair the bloc and stakes claim for it. Decisions can be taken there following deliberations. So far no meeting has occurred after elections, so the question of change of leadership does not arise,” he asserted.