Shah’s visit not linked to Kathua operation: CM
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday dismissed any link between Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s upcoming visit to J&K and the ongoing anti-militancy operation in Jammu’s Kathua district.
“Don’t associate the Home Minister’s visit with the Kathua operation. The Union Minister’s programme was scheduled before the encounter in Kathua. It is a coincidence that Amit Shah sahab is coming to Jammu and Kashmir around the time of the encounter,” Omar told reporters in Srinagar on the sidelines of an event.
According to sources, Shah is expected to visit J&K early next week. Omar clarified that security matters would not be the sole focus of the visit.
“There will be a security review. There will be a public meeting in Jammu. There will be a development review in Srinagar and some projects will be inaugurated,” he said.
Addressing another question, the CM noted that visits by Union Home Ministers to J&K were not unusual. “He (Shah) has come here before, and he will continue to come. When I was the Chief Minister of the (erstwhile) state, Home Ministers used to visit as well. P Chidambaram and SushilKumar Shinde also came, so it is not a big deal,” he remarked.
Omar further stated that discussions with the Union government regarding financial assistance for J&K were ongoing. “Last year, we asked them for more money and we received it. This time as well, we are hoping to get the help that J&K needs,” he said.
Meanwhile, commenting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Omar stated that the legislation appeared to single out a specific religious community. “I have already said that it is difficult for people like us to accept this. This bill seems to be targeting only one religion. Every religion has its own institutions. Every religion has a charitable wing,” he stated.
Criticising the move, Omar added, "When we have charity, we do it through Waqf. It seems that only our charitable wing is being singled out."
