CM Omar attempting to provoke regional divisions: LoP Sharma

Srinagar, July 20: Senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the J&K Assembly, Sunil Sharma, today praised Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for his efforts in rehabilitating victims of terrorism, while simultaneously criticising Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for attempting to “provoke regional divisions”.

Sharma expressed satisfaction over the administration’s efforts in rehabilitating families affected by terrorism since the 1990s.

“For over three decades, these families suffered in silence. No one stood by them. But under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, a ray of hope has finally emerged for such families,” Sharma said while addressing a press conference.

He lauded the recent government initiative under which hundreds of terror victim families have been documented and provided employment. “In the last two weeks alone, appointments have been handed over to many families. A timeline has also been set for the remaining eligible families to receive jobs within a month. This is a commendable move,” Sharma said,

The LoP, however, did not hold back in his criticism of the CM, accusing him of attempting to “provoke regional and communal sentiments”. Referring to the July 14 incident Sharma questioned Omar’s actions and intent. “Why was there an altercation with the police when the gate was open? If it was closed, how did his father, advisor, and ministers enter?” he asked, alleging that the incident was staged for political mileage.

He further accused Omar of insulting the sentiments of the Jammu region, especially the Dogra community, by glorifying those who, according to Sharma, revolted against Maharaja Hari Singh. “Omar Abdullah is projecting himself as the Chief Minister of only one region – Kashmir – while completely ignoring the aspirations of Jammu,” he said.

Referring to the period between 2009 and 2014 when Abdullah served as Chief Minister, Sharma labelled the tenure as “unsuccessful and deceptive,” citing alleged failures in addressing unemployment.

He also took aim at the National Conference’s demand for the restoration of Article 370. “Omar Abdullah has been misleading the people by claiming that 370 will return. But even the Congress, in a joint letter with INDIA bloc leaders to the Prime Minister, has accepted the reality of its abrogation. They now only demand statehood, which is already part of the BJP’s agenda,” he claimed.