Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar Nov 28 (KINS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday said that his government is fully prepared to take over law and order responsibilities in the Union Territory — and is ready to return the charge if it fails to deliver.
Addressing reporters in Srinagar, the Chief Minister defended his administration’s performance and responded to recent criticism on governance, electricity issues, and security.
“During the NC government, not a single Pahalgam-type or Delhi-type attack took place. Our record on security speaks for itself. Give us law and order — if we cannot handle it, take it back,”Omar said, according to news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), stating that the situation had remained stable under his previous tenure.
On the ongoing debate over electricity meters and free power units, Omar clarified that promises of 200 free units without universal metering were unrealistic.
“No government can provide free electricity units unless every home has a meter. Fixed-rate systems hurt poor families — meters actually reduce their bills,” he said, adding that misinformation was being spread to mislead the public.
He said that for his government to provide free electricity, people need to have meters installed in their homes so that the 200 units can be measured.
He added that he is currently unable to fulfil this promise because the percentage of metered households is below 50 percent.
He defended his government’s political stance as well, stating that the National Conference fulfilled its commitment made with the people during the election campaign. “We promised to keep the BJP out, and we kept our word,” he said.
The Chief Minister also addressed long-pending issues of daily wagers, saying the previous governments had ignored them for years.
“Daily wagers were neglected for decades. We have started fixing these issues systematically,” he said.
Regarding the reservation policy, Omar clarified that the report is ready. The concerned minister will present the memo to the cabinet, and it will be discussed in the next cabinet meeting. (KINS)
