BUDGET SESSION 2025:

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern over the recent civilian killings in the Billawar area of Kathua, offering condolences to the families of the victims and calling for a thorough investigation into the tragic incident.Speaking in the ongoing Assembly session Monday, the Chief Minister began by condemning the loss of innocent lives, stating, “As the leader of the House, I want to formally express our collective concern over the killings in Billawar and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We mourn the loss of all three innocent civilians who were killed in this incident, as well as the two others who lost their lives in a similar attack prior to this.”The remarks come two days after the bodies of three civilians which included 15-year-old Varun Singh, his paternal uncle Yogesh Singh, 32, and maternal uncle Darshan Singh, 40, were found in the Ishu Nullah in the remote Malhar area of Kathua on Saturday. They had gone missing on March 5 after attending a wedding ceremony. On February 16, the bodies of Shamsher, 37, and Roshan, 45, were found at Kohag village in Billawar.Emphasising the need for a transparent investigation, Abdullah stressed the importance of uncovering the details behind the killings. “We must ascertain how and why the incident occurred, and more importantly, who was responsible for it,” he said. The Chief Minister also addressed the attack on the MLA from Bani, calling for appropriate action to be taken in response.However, it was his remarks on the visits to the affected area that caught the most attention. Abdullah questioned the circumstances surrounding the visit of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) to Billawar, especially since the Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, had been advised against visiting the area due to the tense situation.“If I am correct, the Leader of Opposition visited the area. It appears that a political narrative is being attached to the situation,” Abdullah remarked. He clarified that he had spoken to Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary, who was advised by a senior police officer in Kathua that the situation remained volatile and it would be unwise for him to visit at that time. “I told him that as responsible individuals, we must ensure that our presence does not escalate tensions. If the situation is volatile, it is prudent for both of us to refrain from visiting,” the Chief Minister explained.Abdullah went on to express his confusion over the political implications of the situation. “What is beyond my understanding is that if the situation was indeed so volatile that the Deputy Chief Minister was advised against visiting, how was the Leader of Opposition allowed to do so?” he questioned. “We demand answers from those who allowed the LoP’s visit while preventing the Deputy CM from going there.”Meanwhile, while the LoP rose to respond, Omar said it was not for him but for the police to answer.The Chief Minister’s statement sparked further debate in the Assembly, with opposition members urging clarification on the matter. However, Omar Abdullah’s focus remained on the pressing need for justice for the victims and a clear explanation of the decisions made regarding political visits during a time of heightened tensions.The Chief Minister further reiterated the importance of upholding the integrity of the investigation and ensuring that the loss of innocent lives did not become a tool for political gain. “Our primary responsibility is to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent further escalation of the situation,” he said.