Srinagar, Jan 13: Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that any progress in Kashmir must stem from genuine change among the people, not fear.
“If the changes on the ground in Kashmir reflect a true change of heart among the people, it is commendable. However, if they are driven by fear, the sustainability of such progress becomes uncertain. The current situation in Jammu and Kashmir appears to be a mix of both,” he said.
The Chief Minister acknowledged a decline in militancy and stone-pelting incidents in the valley. “There has been a significant reduction in activities like stone-pelting and protests that were prominent in 2008, 2010, and 2016. While this reflects a positive shift, much of it is also a result of the government’s stringent actions.”
Omar Abdullah criticized stringent measures, such as the weaponization of the CID department, termination of employees, and blacklisting of individuals, arguing that these actions undermine natural justice.
He emphasized the need for governance rooted in fairness to ensure long-lasting peace and progress in the region. [KNT]
