Nadeem Nadu
Jammu, Jan 12 :
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday dismissed allegations of discrimination against Jammu, questioning what he termed as selective outrage whenever the location of institutions is discussed in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters in Jammu, CM Omar as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC said the financial condition of the Union Territory is constrained and decisions have to be taken on the basis of feasibility and available resources.
He pointed out that when prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) were established in Jammu, no voices were raised about regional balance. “At that time, no one asked what Kashmir was getting or demanded that one institution be set up in each region,” he remarked.
Referring to the proposed National Law University, the Chief Minister said its location has not even been finalized yet, but allegations of discrimination have already begun. He said repeatedly raising the issue only at certain times, while remaining silent on earlier allocations, reflects inconsistency.
Omar Abdullah said such selective narratives undermine genuine discussions on balanced development and overlook the administrative and financial challenges faced by the government. He stressed that development-related decisions should not be viewed through a regional or political prism.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive development, the Chief Minister urged political parties and stakeholders to refrain from fuelling regional divides by selectively invoking claims of discrimination. (KNC)