Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday defended the decision to reserve telecom powers for the Lieutenant Governor, stating that it was necessary as the LG remains in charge of security and law and order in the region.
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โThis is the right thing. These powers should be with the Lieutenant Governor. This is not against the business rules or the Reorganisation Act,โ Abdullah said.
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He clarified that regulations on internet and phone services are issued by the Home Department, which falls under the LGโs purview.
While reacting to recent comments by several political leaders in Kashmir accusing the National Conference government of diluting the fight for restoration of statehood, Omar said, โWe wish we could have secured statehood in a single meeting.โ
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He added that resolving such a complex issue in one sitting was beyond imagination, but the elected government was doing everything possible to regain statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.
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According to officials, Omar is expected to travel to New Delhi soon for a crucial meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
When asked about the governmentโs stand on liquor shops in the Valley, Omar said, โI am not taking anyone to these shops; people go there out of their own free will.
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People need to understand that this issue is strictly religious. If anybodyโs religion allows him or her to consume alcohol and they are above the legal age, who am I to stop them?โ
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On the issue of cabinet expansion, he said governance in the region has not been impacted. โNo one should claim the government is not working. Who becomes a minister, and when, will be decided after consulting the party high command at the appropriate time,โ he added.
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