Omar Abdullah slams BJP for denying permit to visit Rajouri, fears more curbs ahead of LS polls

Omar Abdullah/ File Photo/ PTI

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah slammed the BJP-led government for refusing to allow him to visit the Sunderbani area in Rajouri district. He claimed that police had locked up his home and that he had been taken to his office under close observation.

Speaking to the media at the Jammu party headquarters, Abdullah denounced the limitations imposed on him, saying that they are not unusual and will probably get worse as the Lok Sabha elections get closer, PTI reported.

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"This has not happened for the first time. And as the (Lok Sabha) elections draw closer, I am sure such curbs will witness a spurt," Abdullah was quoted as saying in PTI.

Abdullah revealed that his attempts to visit Sunderbani for a party function were thwarted, and even the sub-divisional police officer accompanied him under strict monitoring, reminiscent of being treated like a criminal.

"I have taken pictures because I know the police will later deny placing curbs on me. Even the sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) accompanied me to the (party) office like a criminal is being escorted. This is for the first time that the SDPO accompanied me from my house to the office to personally see that my vehicle does not take any other turn," he further stated.

He claimed that only people who support the BJP are allowed to engage in political activity, while opponents are subject to limitations, and he accused the government of undermining democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.

"They have once again proved it. They are saying everyone is free to carry out political activities, but it is only for those who are praising the BJP and its government," Abdullah said.

"The people like us who are not government stooges or not involved in BJP flattering face such types of curbs. We are now accustomed to such things," he added.

In response to hints that his visit would heighten tensions between the Gujjar and Pahari groups, Abdullah mockingly commented on how little the administration seems to be able to do to resolve such issues. Abdullah highlighted prior attempts made during their time in office to promote his party's long-standing support for giving Pahari-speaking people Scheduled Tribe status, stated the PTI report.

He told PTI, "I am feeling lucky that I have become so powerful that the government is afraid of me that they need to lock to keep me at home. It is good they are praising me, I have never thought myself so powerful but now I have to rethink it."

"It is better for them to leave the government and hand over the power to us who have command over the people and who can provoke or silence the people for the overall betterment of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

He pleaded with the government to take the Gujjar community's worries about the reservation quota seriously and to make sure that their rights are upheld in the face of the proposed changes.

Abdullah emphasised the significance of attending to the concerns of all affected populations and demanded openness in the legislation's execution.