Won’t tolerate ‘jungle raj’ in J&K: CM

Anantnag, Apr 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the government will not allow “jungle raj” in Jammu and Kashmir and that nobody will be permitted to disturb peace in the region.
Speaking to reporters at the Jashn-e-Amad-e-Bahar event at Jablipora in Anantnag, said the government aims to begin a new phase in Jammu and Kashmir and make a fresh start so that the atmosphere remains peaceful and conditions stable.
He said some elements are trying to create “jungle raj” and disturb the peaceful environment. “There are people who do not like peace and instead want communal unrest and conflict. I want to make it clear that as long as my government remains in power, we will not allow such things to happen in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Omar urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure strict action against those involved in the Ramban killing and those who attempted to disturb the situation. “This should send a strong message that such disorder and lawlessness will not be tolerated by the present government,” he said.
The CM said that a weather-based crop insurance scheme for horticulture will be implemented soon.
“Our farmers and landowners face many challenges. The biggest among them is the weather, as it is beyond human control. While we can manage other factors, we cannot control when it rains, when the sun shines, when winds blow, or when hailstorms occur. However, we can try to reduce its impact,” he said.
Abdullah said the government has taken steps in this direction and strengthened the weather-based crop insurance scheme. “However, I have a concern that our farmers are not fully utilising it,” he said.
He said the scheme has so far seen very limited participation and urged farmers to take full advantage of it. “In the coming days, we will also implement a weather-based crop insurance scheme for horticulture. I hope our orchardists and landowners will benefit from it,” he said.
The Chief Minister said he will take up the matter of establishing a Dry Port at Jablipora Fruit Mandi with the Centre to facilitate direct export of local products to foreign countries.
“While visiting an exhibition here, a progressive woman farmer told me that although she exports her products to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other countries, she first has to send them to Delhi for customs clearance. After packaging, the products are shipped abroad, which creates several difficulties and sometimes leads to damage,” he said.
He said the farmer demanded a Dry Port near Jablipora Fruit Mandi in Anantnag. “I assure the people that we will take up this matter with the Centre on priority and seek approval for establishing a Dry Port in the area so that exports from here become easier,” Omar said. (KNO)