Srinagar, Sep 25: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday moved a resolution in the Legislative Assembly seeking the complete restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying a commitment described as “Modi Ka Wada” should have been implemented
PM Modi earlier said that it was Modi Ka Wada, which means it was extraordinary from a normal promise. If it was Modi Ka Wada, then it should have got implemented as well,” Omar said while speaking in the House.He also highlighted what he described as the administrative implications of Jammu and Kashmir continuing as a Union Territory, citing the functioning of the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).
The implications of not having statehood is that files of SKIMS, one of our premium healthcare institutes, do not come to us,” he said.
Omar said Health Minister Sakina Itoo was unable to take decisions on matters concerning SKIMS, while the Finance Department allocated funds to the institute without having control over how the money was subsequently spent.“I, as Finance Minister, give them the budget, but how that money is spent, we don’t know,” he said.The Chief Minister sought a detailed discussion on the resolution, saying restoration of statehood was a common concern cutting across party lines.
The resolution triggered an uproar in the House, with members of both the ruling benches and the opposition raising slogans.BJP members accused the government of “befooling” the people of Jammu and Kashmir, while National Conference and Congress members responded with slogans including “Sada Haq Ithey Rakh”.NC members also raised slogans demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
The protests escalated as a majority of BJP legislators entered the Well of the House, leading to a noisy confrontation.Amid the continued ruckus, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather adjourned the House for half an hour.
