Jammu, Feb 18 (KNO): Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday asked how protest banners surfaced inside and outside the Assembly.
Talking to reporters here, Choudhary, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “How did the banner come there? This is being planted,” he said, alleging that BJP leaders were orchestrating protests in cases related to National Law University, daily wagers and other issues.
He said that any grievance against police conduct should be taken up with the Chief Minister through proper channels.
He maintained that the present government was elected by the people after decades and understands which issues are genuine and which are politically motivated. “We know which protest is legitimate and which is being done at the behest of a party,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also hit back at BJP leaders over remarks that some politicians were “growing on Delhi’s pieces.” Without naming individuals directly, he referred to instances where leaders elected from other states chose different home states, calling it “double politics.”
On the issue of unemployment and youth concerns, Dy CM Choudhary said such matters cannot be resolved through street theatrics. He urged opposition leaders to seek appointments with the Chief Minister and present their demands formally.
Referring to the upcoming Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg from February 23, he said the event would boost tourism and inspire local youth. He cited sporting icons such as Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev and Virat Kohli as examples of how athletes motivate young people across the country.
“Players from across India and abroad will participate. Tourists will come. This will help our youth move forward in sports,” he said.
MINISTER SATISH SHARMA TERMS STATEHOOD DELAY UNJUSTIFIED
Meanwhile, Minister Satish Sharma on Wednesday termed delay in restoration of statehood as unjustified and defended the budget presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, Sharma, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) alleged that BJP has remained silent on the restoration of statehood.
Minister Sharma said the present government is managing with limited resources and still presenting a “people friendly” budget. He praised the Chief Minister for preparing what he called a balanced budget despite financial constraints.
Raising concern over unemployment, Minister said joblessness is at its peak and daily wagers are anxious about their future. Referring to ongoing protests by daily wagers, he said the Chief Minister has assured phased and time bound monthly payments within a year.
He also said Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh must not be divided along religious or regional lines. He called for collective accountability and alleged large scale corruption after 2019. In a sharp remark, he claimed that more resources have been looted in recent years than during the era of Maharaja Hari Singh.
On security, Minister reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir was downgraded from a state to a Union Territory on the pretext of controlling militancy. He questioned whether militancy has actually been curbed and referred to recent border incidents. He accused political opponents of humiliating and provoking youth for political gain.
On statehood, Minister asserted that Jammu and Kashmir must regain its full status as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said no region should be reduced in stature, comparing the transition from state to Union Territory to reducing a senior officer to a lower rank.
He expressed confidence that the Prime Minister would honour his assurance and said BJP leaders should show courage and support the demand for restoration of statehood—(KNO)