Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Nov 28: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said Jammu and Kashmir did not witness incidents similar to the recent Pahalgam and Delhi terror attacks when the National Conference (NC) was in power as a full-fledged state. He called for the restoration of law and order powers to the elected government.
Addressing a press conference after the conclusion of the NC Working Committee’s two-day meeting, Omar, said the Union Government cannot expect accountability from elected representatives while keeping control of policing and security.
“When we governed as a state, no Pahalgam attack happened, no Delhi attack happened. Give us law and order. If we cannot handle it, take it back,” he said.
On the electricity issue, the Chief Minister said the government aims to ensure access to reliable power at affordable rates.
According to him, poor households end up paying less under metered consumption than under flat-rate billing.
The CM said the government’s promise of 200 free electricity units for consumers can only be implemented through wider metering. “Metering stands below 50%. Without increased metering, most households cannot receive the benefit of 200 free units,” he said.
On the reservation matter, Omar said the cabinet subcommittee report has been completed and will be placed in the next cabinet meeting. He said the process was paused during the election period to avoid procedural complications.
“Elections are over, and the code of conduct is no longer in force. The minister concerned will bring the memo in the next cabinet meeting,” Omar said.
Responding to criticism regarding the daily wagers’ issue, CM Abdullah said no previous administration has taken sustained measures for their demands. He added that the government has started consultations with them.
Targeting the Peoples Democratic Party, Omar said those questioning NC’s manifesto commitments should recall the political developments of 2014. He said PDP sought votes against the BJP and later formed a government with the same party.
“They asked for votes against the BJP and then joined the BJP. We kept our word and kept the BJP out. We brought related resolutions to the Assembly and the Cabinet and are addressing public commitments stepwise,” he said.
Omar said the government should be assessed on its performance over the full duration of its term.
