Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held interactions with the public for the second consecutive day on Monday, meeting citizens in Baramulla district which witnessed violence last week and seeking their support in weeding out “anti-people” elements.
After meeting prominent citizens and members of the civil society in the city on Sunday, 40-year-old Omar travelled to Baramulla, 55 kms from Srinagar, and met about 300 people. He discussed the difficulties being faced by them.
The people spoke about the problems related to cross-border trade and streamlining some of the facilities to which the Chief Minister assured them that a well-placed mechanism would be put in place.
“I am here to work for the people who have voted my government to power. We are here for you people and committed to eradicating all miseries being faced by you,” Mr. Omar said.
He assured that all benefit of the government schemes will reach people at the grass-root level.
Saddened by the recent violence in North Kashmir which led to death of three people, he said, “My government has been elected and not selected. I am here to seek cooperation of my elders to weed out vested interests from the system so that we can fulfil our dream of a new Kashmir.”
“The times have been difficult but we have neither lost hope nor the courage to fight these elements who like to see Kashmir burning,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister said while his government tried to give uplift to the State economy, these disturbances are pushing the State down in terms of development.
“I want every shikarawala, every small scale handicraft manufacturer to get benefit but some anti-people elements are hell bent on disturbing it,” he said and added “however, my government is committed to weed out these elements and throw them away forever.”
Mr. Omar also assured the citizens that people-to-people contact across the border will be increased. “I am here to assure you that your genuine demands will be taken to the appropriate fora for early redressal.”
Some journalists approached the premises where Mr. Omar was meeting the citizens. The scribes claimed that they were not allowed inside the venue.
However, officials in the CMO said the journalists were told that they could attend the meeting but there would be no question-answer session inside and they could wait for him to come out. This was not acceptable to the journalists.
