CM rejects Pak’s statement on ‘neutral’ probe in Pahalgam attack

Ramban, Apr 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday rejected Pakistan’s statement on a “neutral” probe into the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people, mostkly tourists dead.
“Pakistan has not accepted that something has happened in Pahalgam. The country has blamed India for it. It is difficult to say anything in this regard now,” said, Omar Abdullah while talking to reporters after assessing the post-flood like situation in Ramban today.
Terming the attack as unfortunate, the Chief Minister said that this should not have happened.
Also, the Chief Minister while reacting to the decision on putting Indus Water Treaty in abeyance said that the treaty has already cost J&K a lot. However, he said that if the suspension benefits J&K, he would be the first to call it a good step.
Moreover, the Chief Minister also said that those communalising it should remember the sacrifice of Kashmiri youth (Syed Adil Hussain), and also the widespread condemnation by the locals. He said that the sacrifice of Adil, who lost his life while fighting off terrorists to save tourists, should be remembered.
Omar said that he can understand the fear among the tourists. “Nobody wants to experience such a situation while holidaying. But I want to tell the people leaving Kashmir that their return would help the enemies succeed in their mission as terrorists wanted tourists to return after this attack,” he said.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister stated that he visited Ramban today again after the Pahalgam attack to assess the ground situation.
“I wanted to assure the people that the government stands with them. Besides, there has been a demand from locals to relocate them somewhere else and the Deputy Commissioner has already been directed in this regard to identify the alternate place for their relocation,” he added.
He added that the highway has been opened for one-way traffic while to pace up the speed of the ongoing restoration work, the highway has been closed for the traffic.
The Chief Minister added there have been a few demands from the affected families including a free ration to them. He said that the Deputy Commissioner has been directed to identify such families for necessary measures.
Also, he added that once the Nallahs are cleared, the retaining walls and other necessary measures will be taken. He also added that the land is being identified to relocate the affected families to the safer place. (KNO)