Arshad Farooq
Srinagar, Sep 15: National Conference (NC) MLA Javid Beigh Monday hit out at those blaming Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for the ongoing crisis caused by frequent closures of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway, saying the buck stops with the Centre and the Lieutenant Governor, not Omar Abdullah.
Beigh said it was “unfortunate” that while fruit growers continue to suffer heavy losses due to highway disruptions, some political parties, journalists and even sections of fruit growers have targeted Omar Abdullah, bailing out the Centre from its responsibility.
“It is BEACON that looks after the highway. The Centre has to own up to its failures instead of passing the buck. If there are technical faults in road construction, then accountability lies with the agencies involved, not with Omar Abdullah,” Beigh said.
The NC legislator stressed that the highway cannot be dealt with casually, given its importance for Kashmir’s economy and survival. He said all political parties should jointly raise the matter with New Delhi and demand surveys of fragile areas to ensure there are no such closures in the future.
“The fruit industry is bleeding. Growers should come together with political parties to press for compensation for the losses incurred. Instead of targeting Omar Abdullah, the pressure should be mounted on the LG administration to take immediate measures. Unfortunately, some voices are bailing out the Centre by misplacing the blame,” Beigh said.
