Says project was ruined by politics; exploring legal strategy for statehood case ahead of SC hearing in October
Srinagar, Sept 15 :
Saying that the long-stalled Sawalkote power project was ruined due to political interference, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said his government is making efforts to revive the project despite cost escalations.
He also asserted his commitment to the restoration of J&K’s statehood, asserting that his party will continue both political and legal efforts to achieve it.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Corner (KNC), said the Sawalkote project, which has the potential to generate over 1100 megawatts of electricity, had been derailed due to politics in the past.
“No one can deny that the Sawalkote power project was ruined by wrapping it in politics, and now it has become very difficult for us to revive it because the prices have increased a lot,” he said.
The CM added that even then, “we are trying to somehow get this project completed because through this, more than 1100 megawatts of electricity will be generated in Jammu and Kashmir.”
On the statehood issue, the NC vice-president and CM J&K Omar said his party has not stopped raising the demand and is seeking support from national political leaders.
“We have not stopped talking about statehood. I am thankful, especially to Sharad Pawar sahab, who recently sent a very good letter to the Prime Minister regarding the promise of making Jammu and Kashmir a state again. I had also requested all the leaders during the recently concluded Parliament session to help us in this matter,” Omar said.
He added that he was hopeful the Prime Minister would announce the restoration of statehood on August 15, but that did not happen. “Still, we will continue our fight,” he said.
CM Omar further stated that he is consulting legal experts as the matter is scheduled for hearing in the Supreme Court in October. “Right now, the private parties who are empanelled in this case are pleading. We are now talking to lawyers about whether some other strategy should be made in this or not,” he said.
The NC leader also asserted that his party would continue its efforts—political and legal—to ensure the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.—(KNC)