Kulgam: National Conference vice president and former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said there was grassroots-level development deficit in Jammu and Kashmir which could be addressed by empowering the District Development Councils in true sense. He was in Noorabad area to pay homage to party stalwart and former speaker Wali Mohammad Itoo on his 27th death anniversary.
Talking to reporters Omar said “today, we do not see any development at the grassroot level. The development and democracy at this level can be achieved by empowering the DDCs in true sense.” On the demands emerging from Ladakh seeking special residency laws like permanent resident certificates, the former chief minister said the National Conference leadership has always told the people of Ladakh that their future was safer with Jammu and Kashmir. “Unfortunately, the apprehensions are coming true now,” he added.
On the national political scenario, Omar said the country belongs to 130 crore Indians and the person leading the country will have to go by the wishes and aspirations of the people. “This country does not belong to one person. India belongs to all 130 crore people, ” he added.
On the possibility of holding assembly elections this year Omar said “ I don’t see Assembly elections taking place in 2021. The Delimitation Commission has been given one year’s extension and who knows it may be given more extension. Let me clarify that my priority is not elections, it may be for the others. My top priority is to strengthen NC at grassroots level, which I am doing” , adding that “Today I had come to Kulgam to extend solidarity with NC leader Sakina Itoo on the 27th martyrdom anniversary of her father Wali Muhammad Itoo”.
On the petition filed before Supreme Court challenging some verses of Holy Quran, Abdullah said the person who did it was from among the Muslims.
“The Constitution of the country does not allow such things or other acts (of blasphemy). These acts are illegal,” he added.
