Former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called out the government on its differing approach towards J&K and Ladakh when it comes to job posts and land rights.
“Centre is treating the people of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir differently over protection of their land and reservation in jobs and scholarships, and demanded equal treatment. We were told that the aim of abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, is that there will be one order (system) across the country,” Omar asked.
“After Jammu and Kashmir was stripped of its autonomous status and split into two Union Territories, the laws for jobs, scholarships, voting and land rights continue to be the same as they were prior to August, 5 in Ladakh. However, here in Jammu and Kashmir outsiders can purchase land, get jobs, scholarships and contracts,” Omar said while addressing a workers convention at Dak Bangalow, Anantnag.
He questioned the discriminatory approach of the government. “ If that law is fine for Ladakh, why such discrimination in the case of JK., ?” he asked.
“ If their youth have future so have ours,” Omar said that nomadic people who have been living in forests for decades along with their livestock are being evicted from forests
“ People are being snatched away the land given to them under Roshni Act whether in Kashmir or Jammu,” he said.
Questions over Article 370 abrogation.
Omar said those in Jammu who celebrated following the abrogation of article-370 and 35 A is questioning the government on the change it bought.
“ The ruling dispensation had created a euphoria the article was an impediment in the development of JK. It has been two and half years where is the development? he asked.
Omar said all the development projects were taken up by previous regimes.
“ Whether it is a highway, rail, tunnel or power projects, creation of new Tehsils, Nayabats, districts all were executed during our tenure or in Congress and Ghulam Nabi Azad’s reign,” he said.
Omar said the government’s claim of eradicating militancy after doing away with article 370 has proved to be rhetoric.
“ The militancy is very much there and in fact, those areas which were peaceful in our tenure are now under the grip of militancy,” he said.
Omar said that the Panchayat representatives, councilors, BDC, and DDC members have been locked up in government accommodations.