Srinagar, July 23: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called for a people-centric approach to tackling terrorism, saying security measures alone cannot bring lasting peace and warning that demolishing houses and carrying out mass arrests could prove counterproductive. He also urged the Centre to engage with protesting youth, saying their concerns could no longer be ignored.
Addressing reporters after attending a startup event in Srinagar, Abdullah said defeating terrorism required winning the confidence and support of ordinary people.
“I understand the police’s anger, but demolishing houses or arresting thousands of people will not improve the situation. Instead, it may worsen it,” he said while responding to questions on the demolition of the houses of two alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba militants in Anantnag following Wednesday’s killing of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi.
Recalling his previous tenure as chief minister, Abdullah said security forces alone could only contain militancy to a certain extent.
“The real end to terrorism will come only when ordinary people stand with us against it. Police, Army and CRPF can take us only so far. We have to carry our people along in this fight.”
Referring to the public outrage after last year’s Pahalgam terror attack, he said people had openly condemned the attack and supported action against terrorism. However, he cautioned that large-scale detentions could alienate the same public.
“People are angry over the killing of the police head constable. But when reports emerge of 2,000 to 2,500 people being detained, that anger risks getting diverted. We must take our people along if we want lasting success.”
On the Centre’s handling of protests in Delhi, Abdullah said the growing participation of young people showed that their concerns should not be dismissed.
“You cannot ignore so many young people. Initially, people mocked the protests because only a handful had gathered. Today, large parts of New Delhi are affected and tear gas had to be used.”
Welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message acknowledging the importance of youth, Abdullah said the government should now initiate dialogue.
“It is a good thing that the Prime Minister has said young people are important. Their concerns should now be discussed with them.”
He also backed activist Sonam Wangchuk’s demand that no retaliatory action be taken against peaceful protesters.
“There should be no retaliatory action against these children. They were holding peaceful protests. They should be engaged in dialogue and their genuine demands should be addressed.”
Paper leak cases with CBI
Responding to questions on Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda’s remarks about recruitment paper leaks in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah acknowledged that multiple examination papers had leaked in the past but said the investigation was no longer with his government.
“An inquiry was ordered and the matter is with the CBI. I do not have the details of the investigation. That question should be addressed elsewhere,” he said.
Aiming to double startups
Abdullah said the Startup Policy 2024 was beginning to show results, with around 1,300 to 1,400 startups now operating across Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our effort is to double this number every year by supporting entrepreneurs through seed capital, incubators and mentoring programmes,” he said.
He said startups were emerging across sectors including agriculture, horticulture, renewable energy and technology.
Calls for long-term flood strategy
Reviewing the recent floods, Abdullah said water levels had remained below the worst fears, though localised damage had occurred, particularly in Beerwah, where around 37 shops were washed away.
“The Deputy Commissioner has been directed to take necessary action regarding compensation,” he said.
Observing that cloudbursts and extreme rainfall events had become increasingly frequent, Abdullah called for a comprehensive long-term disaster mitigation plan. “We cannot stop the rain, but we must prepare a comprehensive plan to protect infrastructure and save lives.”
Support for Ganderbal artisans
Responding to demands for a training centre for artisans in Ganderbal, Abdullah said the district had performed well under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative through its cane and wicker craft.
“The Industries and Commerce Department is committed to supporting artisans through marketing assistance, innovation and improved product design. Ganderbal artisans will continue to receive that support,” he said.
