While visiting flood-affected villages in Reasi district, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also shed light on the situation in Ladakh. He told reporters that the Lieutenant Governor-led Ladakh administration should investigate why necessary steps to maintain peace were not taken in the first instance.
Leh: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday expressed concern over the recent violence in Ladakh while visiting flood-affected villages in Reasi district. He termed the violence in Leh as a systemic failure of the administration and stated that the Lieutenant Governor's administration is responsible for failing to maintain peace. He also condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for blaming the Congress for the violence and said that since the government in Ladakh belongs to the BJP, the BJP itself is responsible for the violence.
Administrative Failure in Ladakh
Speaking to reporters, Omar Abdullah stated that the administration in Ladakh should have taken measures beforehand to maintain peace. He questioned the appropriateness of blaming the Congress when the BJP government is in power there. Omar Abdullah said,
'If the Congress were so powerful that it could incite riots in Ladakh, why didn't the party form the council in 2020? Who won the last council elections? The BJP did, while the Congress suffered a terrible defeat. When things go wrong, the BJP always makes excuses and blames others. Now, the use of force must end.'
Loss of Life and Property in Violence
The Chief Minister stated that the situation in Ladakh is alarming, and it is unfortunate that four lives were lost and several others injured in the violence. He appealed to the public not to take the law into their own hands and to maintain peace. Omar Abdullah said that the Government of India should address the legitimate demands of the people of Ladakh. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment and brotherhood between Leh and Kargil in the region.
The Chief Minister reminded that Ladakh has already been granted Union Territory status. He said, "Let us facilitate as much development as possible within the framework of the Union Territory. This will ensure both stability and development in the region." Omar Abdullah stressed that the administration should take timely steps in sensitive matters to prevent any form of violence. He added that violence is not beneficial for any community or region, and its politicization can be dangerous.
Regarding the allegations made by the BJP against the Congress, Omar Abdullah stated that it is "beyond Congress's capability." He added that every time the BJP government fails, the party develops a habit of blaming others. He asserted that this does not solve the problem but rather complicates the situation further.
