• Health Deptt must take decision first; seeks early resolution of interns’ protest
• Says “Security establishment must take migrant threats seriously”
Srinagar | September, 07: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said he remains in regular touch with Union Home Minister Amit Shah over various issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir, including restoration of statehood, business rules, reservation and the appointment of an Advocate General.
Speaking to reporters here, Omar said several issues between J&K and the Centre require continuous communication and that he has discussed these matters with the Union Home Minister.
“I stay in touch with the Home Minister. There are many issues between Jammu and Kashmir and the Central Government that need to be discussed. Be it about statehood or business rules,” Omar said.
The Chief Minister also flagged the delay in the appointment of an Advocate General for J&K.
“It has been almost two years since our Advocate General was appointed. He hasn’t been appointed yet,” he said.
On the reservation issue, Omar said the response prepared by the J&K Cabinet for the Government of India is ready but has not yet been sent.
“The reservation issue, which the Cabinet had to answer to the Central Government, has been prepared. But that answer has not yet been sent to the Government of India,” he said.
“So, there were many issues that I met the Home Minister about,” Omar added.
On the ongoing protest by medical interns, Omar said the matter falls within the Health Department’s domain and that the government can act only after the department takes a decision.
“But it is a matter of the Health Department. Until the Health Department takes a decision, no other department can do anything,” he said.
Omar said Health Minister Sakina Itoo had spoken to the protesting interns and assured them that their concerns would be resolved.
The Chief Minister called for an early resolution, saying the continued protest was affecting the interns’ work and training.
“I would like this matter to be resolved as soon as possible. It’s not in anyone’s interest. First of all, their work is suffering. Their internship is suffering,” he said.
“And we don’t want our children to do this. But in the end, the Health Department will have to take a decision first. After that, the Government will take a decision,” he added.
Medical interns across J&K have been protesting over their long-pending demand for enhancement of their stipend.
On reports of threats to migrants, Omar said the security establishment must take such threats seriously and investigate them.
“This is something that obviously the security establishment needs to take seriously. It’s not something that should be ignored,” he said.
Reacting to reports of two women journalists being assaulted by Delhi Police, the Chief Minister termed the incident unfortunate.
“What can one say? It’s an unfortunate situation. It is a pity. It shouldn’t have come to this,” he added.
