Omar Abdullah warns against taking terror threats to Kashmiri Pandit employees lightly

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged security agencies not to ignore threats against Kashmiri Pandit employees in the Valley. He also reiterated his demand for restoration of statehood and hinted at further protests by the National Conference

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said those responsible for security in Jammu and Kashmir should not take the terror threats to Kashmiri Pandit workers in the Valley lightly.

He referred to several attacks on the KPs in recent years to stress his remark.

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“We have been hearing time and again that militancy has ended (in J-K), that now no one (terrorist) is left. But then this threat (comes), so where is this threat from? And those who are responsible for security arrangements, they should not take these threats lightly,” Abdullah told reporters here.

The chief minister called for action against those behind the reported threats, and called for full security arrangements for the Kashmiri Pandits working in the valley.

“One or two years ago, targeted killings happened, particularly against the minority community. How many names should I take of those who were targeted? Even many employees were preparing to flee from here. They were kept in their camps after being almost arrested. Gates were locked.

“So, this threat should not be taken lightly. Action should be taken against the people behind this. And full security arrangements should be kept for these people,” he added.

Asked whether his party, the National Conference (NC), has any more plans to hold a march at Jantar Mantar in Delhi to press for the restoration of the statehood, Abdullah said there were many options.

“Obviously, we are not going to discuss it with you first. We will discuss it amongst ourselves. There are many options. Now, apparently, I hear my party is planning a long march (to Jantar Mantar). That is a good thing; it is not a wrong thing,” he said.

Abdullah said it was not a normal promise that was made to the people of J-K on statehood.

“It was a (PM Narendra) Modi’s promise. It is stated in our country that there are normal promises, then there is the super promise. This was a super promise. Why has this super promise not been fulfilled yet? We are not getting an answer to this,” he said.

He said the party’s Jantar Mantar protest on July 20 was not the end, but the beginning. “What we have to do next, we will see.”

Asked how difficult it has been to govern a Union Territory, the NC leader said it is a long story and “there is not enough time to tell you my sad story.”

“Now, it is what it is. We are doing as much as we can. There is still time. We will keep bringing up this topic again and again. Neither have I ever been silent on this topic, nor will I be. We will keep talking,” he said.

The chief minister expressed hope that business rules prepared by his government will be approved and implemented.

“I am hopeful … We showed all flexibility from our side. We even informally shared it. Now, after a few days, I have to go to Delhi and talk to the home minister about various things. I will talk about this too,” he said.

Abdullah said the cabinet had also responded to the queries that were raised on the issue of reservation.

“The answer was sent to the LG as per the rules. What happened after that? Someone tell us, has our response been sent to Delhi? Has it been approved?” he wondered.

Abdullah said they should not be held responsible if “Gen-Z-type” protests take place in J-K over reservation.

“We will not be responsible if Gen-Z-like events start here. We have done our work. We have given answers. We have justified … But it is not good that these people now suppress our cabinet’s decisions in this manner,” he said.

On the elections to the local bodies, the chief minister said the polls would take place at an appropriate time.

“At the appropriate time. Local body elections have to happen. Why wouldn’t they happen? (But), at the appropriate time. That is all I will say,” he said.