Srinagar. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has advised leaders in Ladakh not to rely solely on verbal assurances from the Centre regarding their demands for constitutional safeguards related to land and employment. He urged the leadership to seek written and officially signed commitments.
Speaking to reporters in Pulwama, Abdullah said the issues concerning Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir are different, but he was offering his advice as a friend and well-wisher. He said Ladakh and Kargil leaders should wait for a formal written commitment from the Centre before placing their trust in any assurances.
Abdullah referred to Jammu and Kashmir's experience regarding the restoration of statehood. He said an assurance had been given that statehood would be restored after the Assembly elections, but nearly two years had passed without the commitment being fulfilled. He suggested that Ladakh leaders could seek a formal document, including an affidavit, if possible.
During his visit to Pulwama, the Chief Minister also reviewed development projects in the district. He said around ₹100 crore worth of projects were inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid, covering roads, schools, hospitals, bridges and a dairy-processing village.
On the ongoing agitation by National Health Mission employees, Abdullah said protesting is a democratic right but maintained that his government would hold discussions on their demands after the strike is called off. He appealed to the employees to return to dialogue to find a solution.
