Says expansion will take place; hopes process moves ahead after August 15
Srinagar, Aug 10 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the expansion of the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers will take place, indicating that the process could move ahead after August 15.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, as per news agency , CM Omar said, “We will do it. We hope before 15th of August,” before clarifying, “No, no, not before 15th of August,” while referring to the ongoing preparations for the Independence Day programme.
Asked again whether there would be a Cabinet expansion, the Chief Minister said, “Yes, there will be. It will be done. No problem.”
On the pending appointment letters for outstanding sportspersons, Omar said around 230 appointment letters would be issued, adding that Sports Minister Satish Sharma had assured the athletes that the process would be finalised in the coming weeks.
On sports infrastructure, the Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir’s focus would not remain limited to cricket, despite plans for international-quality cricket stadiums.
“Our players are good at gymnastics, martial arts, roller sports, kayaking, canoeing and water sports. We want to increase these things,” he said.
On the Centre-opposition standoff in Parliament, Omar welcomed the reported move by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to respond to issues raised by the opposition, saying the opposition’s role is to raise issues while the government’s responsibility is to respond.
He also expressed hope that Parliament would function smoothly for the remaining days of the session.
On protests and violence in Jharkhand, Omar said protests should remain peaceful and the situation should not deteriorate.
On concerns regarding the quality of drinking water, particularly in Kashmir, the Chief Minister said the government was committed to providing potable and clean drinking water.
“We don’t want people to drink raw water from the Dal,” he said, adding that water supplied under government schemes, particularly those funded through the Jal Jeevan Mission, would be treated and required to meet prescribed quality standards.
Reacting to reports of sexual crimes in Kashmir, Omar termed such incidents a “shame” and said the culprits should be caught immediately and punished severely.
He said the strict laws enacted after the Nirbhaya case should be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir as well.
