Extensive arrangements made for Muharram, Amarnath Yatra; hopes for lasting peace amid reports of US-Iran agreement
Srinagar, June 15(KNB): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the planned protest in Delhi on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session will go ahead as scheduled.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event at SKICC here, Abdullah said there was no change in the programme and that his party would continue to fight for the restoration of statehood.
“There is no change in our programme. We remain committed to the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We promised to fight for statehood and we will continue that fight,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government would continue to raise the issue at every appropriate platform until the demand for statehood is fulfilled.
On the reservation issue, Abdullah said the government has completed its part of the process and is now awaiting further movement from the Centre. He said the Cabinet Sub-Committee had submitted its report, which was approved by the Cabinet and forwarded to New Delhi through the Lieutenant Governor.
According to the Chief Minister, the Centre sought certain clarifications and returned the file. The concerned department has since prepared the required responses, which will be placed before the Cabinet once again for approval.
“The file will be brought before the Cabinet again and, after approval, the clarifications will be sent back to the Central Government,” Abdullah said, expressing hope that the matter would progress in the coming days.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to addressing concerns related to reservations while ensuring that the entire process is completed through the proper administrative and legal framework.
Referring to preparations for Muharram and the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, Abdullah said extensive arrangements have been put in place after consultations with community representatives, officials and ministers. He said the government has been working on the preparations for more than a month and expressed confidence that people would not face any major difficulties during the religious events.
Welcoming pilgrims arriving for the annual Amarnath Yatra, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the pilgrimage would pass off peacefully and successfully. He also said that prayers offered by the pilgrims for the peace, prosperity and well-being of Jammu and Kashmir would be greatly appreciated.
Commenting on reports of a possible peace agreement between the United States and Iran, Abdullah said the details of the proposed deal are not yet known and it would be appropriate to wait until the agreement is formally signed.
“We should wait for the details of the agreement to emerge. Once it is formally signed, we will be in a better position to comment,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the conflict would come to a permanent end, peace and stability would return to the region, and those who suffered losses during the war would receive adequate compensation. (KNB)