Chandigarh/Mumbai/Lucknow, Apr 26: While Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo on Saturday called on Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT of Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria at Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh, several other ministers began the reach out initiative in other states after being directed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to ensure safety of J&K residents in outside states. As per an official statement, during the interaction, Sakeena Itoo discussed several issues concerning safety and security of J&K students and business community, in wake of the recent tragic attack in Pahalgam. The Minister requested the Governor to take steps for instilling some sense of security among the J&K students and business community.
The Governor assured the Minister of full cooperation and said that the Punjab and Chandigarh Administrations will ensure safety and security of all J&K residents and students. DGP, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav and DGP, Chandigarh Police, Surendra Singh Yadav were also present on the occasion.
Later, the Minister also met Chief Secretary, Punjab, KAP Sinha to discuss the issues of J&K students, business community and other individuals in the aftermath of Pahalgam attack.
Additional Chief Secretary, Home Affairs Punjab, Alok Shekhar was also present during the interaction. During the meeting, the Minister requested the Chief Secretary and ACS to take steps for restoring sense of security among J&K students and the business community currently in Punjab and Chandigarh. The Chief Secretary and ACS assured full cooperation to J&K Government for welfare and safety of all J&K students and business community currently in Punjab.
Earlier, on the directions of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo arrived in Chandigarh Punjab to instil sense of security among the J&K students and business community, in wake of the recent tragic attack in Pahalgam.
During her visit, Sakeena personally engaged with cross-section of the Jammu and Kashmir student community and business professionals based in Punjab. The Minister held interactions with them on their safety concerns and emotional well-being, especially in the aftermath of Pahalgam attack. She also engaged with several students and individuals on phone in view of the prevailing situation.
During the interaction, Sakeena assured them that the Omar Abdullah led Government is fully committed to welfare and security of their citizens across the country. The Minister assured them that their pressing issues will be taken up with the Administrations of Punjab and Chandigarh. She advised them to contact the J&K Government on the already circulated numbers in case of assistance and help in future. Later on, Sakeena Itoo visited Universal Group of Institutions Chandigarh to discuss security concerns of students with college authorities as the students from Jammu and Kashmir of this college have left for their hometowns. The Minister also visited Saraswati Group of Colleges Chandigarh, wherein she personally interacted with students. She assured the students of all possible assistance from the Government.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary met Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde in Mumbai and expressed satisfaction over the measures taken by Maharashtra Government for the safety of J&K residents. The Deputy Chief Minister also interacted with students, businessmen and professionals working in Maharashtra to instil sense of security among them.
During the meeting, Choudhary emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety and security of J&K residents living in Maharashtra. He urged Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde to take all necessary steps to safeguard their wellbeing in view of recent concerns.
In response, Eknath Shinde assured his full support and reiterated that both the government and people of Maharashtra stand firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir to protect and support them. Acting on the instructions of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary also held separate meetings with students from various colleges and universities, private sector employees, and businessmen to personally enquire about their wellbeing and any safety concerns. He also met with senior police officials as well.
He reaffirmed that the safety of J&K residents remains top priority for the government, stating, “We will go the last mile to ensure the safety and welfare of our people.” Expressing solidarity, Choudhary emphasized that the Omar Abdullah government is deeply concerned about the wellbeing of its people and is committed to ensuring their security at all times. He assured the community that there is no need for fear or anxiety, emphasizing, “Our government is available 24×7 to assist you.” He also advised students and other residents to contact the official helpline numbers circulated by the administration in case of any assistance.
Notably, Minister for Agriculture Production Javed Ahmad Dar called on Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, apprising him of the situation arising out of the recent Pahalgam terror strike. Their meeting focused on key issues concerning the safety and welfare of J&K residents in Himachal Pradesh. The meeting was held in pursuance of the directions of Chief Minister of J&K where under all Cabinet Ministers of J&K have been deputed to various parts of the country.
During the interaction, Javed Ahmad Dar urged the Chief Minister to ensure the security and well-being of Kashmiri students, businessmen and workers currently residing in Himachal Pradesh.
The HP Chief Minister emphasised that the people of Himachal Pradesh are peace loving and believe in upholding the values of brotherhood and communal harmony. Strongly condemning the heinous attack, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed heartfelt solidarity with the victims and their families. He assured that the State Government would take every possible step to guarantee the safety, security and well-being of all residents from Jammu & Kashmir living in Himachal Pradesh. Necessary directions have already been issued to the concerned authorities to ensure the same, he added.
The Agriculture Minister appreciated the efforts and proactive support of the Himachal Pradesh Government towards the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir during such critical times. Later, while interacting with delegations, Javed Ahmad Dar reiterated the firm commitment of the Omar Abdullah led Government to the welfare and security of J&K residents across the country. He also advised the community to reach out to the J&K Government through the helpline numbers already circulated for any assistance or emergencies.
Meanwhile, Minister Javed Ahmed Rana arrived in Lucknow, where he will be available to interact with students, businessmen and other members of J&K community at VVIP Guest House Saket, Mahatma Gandhi Marg Lucknow. He will also be meeting senior functionaries of UP Government.
All interested student groups, business leaders or individuals from J&K wishing to meet the Minister may contact Muddasir Latifi Tasir, OSD (9419168268) and Raiyaz Ahmed, APS (9103792688), said a statement.
Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Sports Satosh Sharma reached Dehradun and during his visit, the Minister will be available to interact with students, business community and other members of J&K community. All interested student groups, businessmen, individuals from J&K wishing to meet the Minister are requested to contact at 9419180515, 9906204222 and 9796491417, said the official statement.
