Ufaq Parveen
Srinagar, Dec 15:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday strongly criticised political and religious interference in the functioning of institutions and major infrastructure projects, following allegations raised by a local MLA regarding interference in the Ratle Hydropower Project in Kishtwar district. Terming such actions unacceptable, the Chief Minister said the issue must be taken seriously as it concerns projects of national importance.
Responding to media queries, Omar Abdullah said there should be no interference of any kind in institutions or development projects. “There should be no interference anywhere, and this should be looked at very seriously. These projects are not only for Jammu and Kashmir, they are for the whole country,” he said, underlining that hydropower projects like Ratle have strategic and national significance.
Referring specifically to the allegations around the Ratle project, the Chief Minister said that as per his knowledge, accusations have so far been levelled against one MLA. However, he added that interference in projects is not limited to a single individual. “In almost every project in Kishtwar, the two opposition MLAs are interfering somewhere or the other,” he alleged, asserting that investigating agencies must be allowed to function independently. “Our agencies should do their job,” he said.
Omar Abdullah also expressed concern over the continued lack of administrative control of key institutions by the elected government. He pointed out that despite holding the charge of Power Minister, the Power Development Corporation has not yet been handed over to the elected dispensation. “I have said earlier as well that institutions which were with the elected government should be given back to us,” he said.
Highlighting what he described as selective scrutiny, the Chief Minister remarked that had similar allegations been made against any of his ministers, the Anti-Corruption Bureau would have already issued a press release. He stressed the need for uniform standards of accountability irrespective of political affiliation.
While firmly opposing interference, Omar Abdullah also spoke about the role of elected representatives in governance. He said an elected MLA cannot be brushed aside by the administration. “An elected representative does not come from the sky. People make him win and send him. It is not optional for officers to deal with them. It is their responsibility,” he said, adding that elected representatives should be consulted and treated with respect, even as administrative decisions must remain within the ambit of law.
Touching upon other issues, the Chief Minister reacted to a recent terror attack in Sydney, calling it shameful and reiterating that no religion permits the killing of innocent people. He also paid tribute to a civilian who confronted the attacker, saying his bravery saved many lives.
On tourism, Omar Abdullah said the government is making efforts to revive the sector but acknowledged that challenges remain, including flight ticket cancellations and high airfares. He said the revival of tourism is closely linked to snowfall in destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg, particularly during the New Year and Christmas season. He added that several promotional steps are being taken, including the upcoming annual convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India in Srinagar.
Commenting on airfares, he said the issue persists across the country despite instructions from the Government of India to control ticket prices after airline disruptions, adding that Jammu and Kashmir is also a victim of the situation.
On security-related matters, Omar Abdullah said the National Investigation Agency has completed its probe into the Pahalgam attack and is presenting the chargesheet. “The decision will be taken by the court. Who is guilty and who is innocent will be decided by law,” he said.
Responding to a question about a local issue involving the Chadoora MLA, the Chief Minister said the matter has been presented before the SDM and will be resolved with the involvement of the MLA and the local administration.
On political developments, Omar Abdullah said the INDIA alliance has nothing to do with the Congress party’s campaign on alleged voting theft, stating that every political party is free to choose its own issues. He also said efforts are underway to persuade the Government of India to enhance allocations under the industrial policy, noting that the earlier allotted funds have already been exhausted.
