Zero power curtailment targeted in cities, towns next year; Statehood our right, no scope for compromise
SRINAGAR: Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani on Saturday said maintaining cordial relations with the Government of India is essential for effective governance in Jammu and Kashmir. He, however, made it clear that they have no relations with the BJP.
Advisor Nasir, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that it is mandatory for the Chief Minister to engage with the Union Home Ministry to address the issues of Jammu and Kashmir. “It is a normal practice that the Chief Minister meets the Home Minister or the Prime Minister. If he does not do that, how will the work of the state get done”, he said while responding to questions over recent meetings with the Centre.
Expressing optimism about the upcoming Union Budget, Wani stated, “Even in the first budget, CM Omar tried to roll out a lot of things. This time, we have full hope that there will be some other good decisions”. He also highlighted improvements in the electricity sector post-reforms.
Noting minimal curtailments this year and scheduled supplies that brought relief to residents, Advisor Nasir pledged to achieve near-zero curtailment in cities and towns next year, aiming to resolve power issues within 2-3 years through ongoing efforts.
Addressing recent harassment incidents involving Kashmiri natives outside the Valley, he called them “very sad,” pointing out occurrences not just in BJP-ruled states but also in Congress-governed areas like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. “The Chief Minister spoke to the CMs and FIRs have been registered. We have been assured of action”, he stated, advising caution and urging locals to contact Nodal officers in Delhi for immediate intervention.
On demands for a separate Jammu state, floated by some BJP circles, he firmly opposed division. “We have always wanted to be a complete state (Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh). They are doing the politics of breaking”, Wani said, while invoking J&K’s historical harmony praised by Mahatma Gandhi and rejecting communal divisions.
“National Conference remains committed to unity, peace and inter-community friendship,” he added.
On the sub-committee report on reservations, Nasir said, “The same has been approved by the Cabinet and forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor. We are waiting further action.”
Similarly, on Daily wagers issue, he said a committee led by the Chief Secretary is expediting a report to verify genuineness, address dropouts and issues promptly.
Responding to a question on whether statehood talks would figure in the coming Assembly session, he said the issue goes beyond legislative discussion within the House, says statehood is a constitutional right and there is no scope for any compromise on it.
“This is our right and we should definitely get it. I do not think there is any scope for compromise now”, Advisor Wani said.
He said if there are reservations or delays from the Centre, they must be clearly communicated. “Either they should tell us what the reasons are, what we have to improve in ourselves and how we will qualify to get it. That also has to be discussed,” Wani said.