Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejected the central government's proposal, stating that Jammu and Kashmir's water resources will be prioritized for the state's residents. He refused to allocate water to Punjab and Rajasthan.
Jammu Kashmir News: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed displeasure over the central government's proposal to divert Jammu and Kashmir's water to Punjab and Rajasthan. He unequivocally stated that this would not be permitted while the state grapples with its own water scarcity. The water of the Chenab River will first be utilized locally.
Local Needs First, Other States Later
Speaking to the media in Jammu, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clearly stated his refusal to accept the central government's proposal to divert Jammu and Kashmir's water resources to other states. He highlighted that Jammu is facing drought-like conditions, with people struggling to access water through taps. Under these circumstances, he is opposed to diverting water to other states.
'Punjab Left Us Thirsty'
CM Omar Abdullah accused Punjab of not cooperating during the construction of the Ujj Multipurpose Project and of causing years of hardship regarding the Shahpur Kandi barrage. He argued that Punjab offered no assistance when the state's citizens were struggling for water. Therefore, now that Jammu and Kashmir needs its water resources, they will be prioritized for local use.
Two Major Projects Underway
The Chief Minister informed that the state government is working on two significant projects: the Tulbul Navigation Barrage, to regulate the flow of the Chenab River, and a project to pump water from Akhnoor to Jammu city. These projects aim to alleviate water shortages in affected areas.
Omar Abdullah Also Speaks on Reservations
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also criticized opposition parties, particularly the PDP and Sajjad Lone, on the issue of reservations. He stated that Mehbooba Mufti remained silent on the issue when she needed votes and is only showing sympathy now that the political equation is changing.
He added that PDP leaders were prevented from speaking on this issue at the time. He claimed to possess records of tweets from that period, clarifying the roles played by different parties on this sensitive issue.
Direct Attack on Sajjad Lone
Regarding Sajjad Lone, Omar Abdullah pointed out that while instability prevailed in the state and opposition members were being evicted from government accommodations, Lone comfortably resided in government-provided housing. He questioned why Lone did not raise his voice then if he was so concerned about reservations and other issues.
The CM sarcastically remarked that if he wanted to waste time, he would have given the subcommittee six more months. This highlights his commitment to delivering tangible results rather than mere appearances.
Response to Air Crash
Responding to the air crash in Ahmedabad, Omar Abdullah stated that air safety does not fall under the state government's purview; it is the responsibility of Civil Aviation, DGCA, and the Government of India. He emphasized that he, too, travels on the same airplanes as ordinary citizens. He demanded a thorough investigation into the accident and expressed hope that such incidents would not recur.
