Srinagar, June 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday termed the prevailing situation, which has resulted in the killing of 11 youth in Kashmir by government forces since June 11, as ‘battle of ideas and ideologies.’ Talking tough, Omar said government would strictly enforce curfew in troubled areas to bring normalcy even as the deteriorating situation today shifted from north Kashmir to the south of the Valley.
“I condole recent deaths. All the deaths in various circumstances have been unfortunate. But it is important to understand that it is not simple law and order matter which has resulted due to poor governance. It is battle of ideas and ideologies in which various anti-national forces and vested interested are together to create trouble,” Omar told a jam-packed press conference at his Gupkar residence here in his first media appearance since situation deteriorated in the Valley.
In a very strong tone, the CM hinted at extending curfew to other areas especially those where situation is deteriorating, saying government has a duty to maintain law and order.
“It takes two hands to clap. While we expect security forces to exercise maximum restraint, youth should not instigate them. It is this sort of situation which results in tragedy. Security forces have been asked to exercise maximum restraint (but) it is a must to impose curfew and it should be respected. People should not become victims of any wrong conception. Curfew will be enforced to bring situation under control,” stressed Omar, flanked by senior cabinet colleagues including his deputy Tara Chand, Taj Mohi-ud-Din and Ali Muhammad Sagar.
The CM said curfew has been imposed in some areas of north Kashmir and with tension spreading to south of the Valley, various areas would be put under curfew there.
“It is our duty to restore normalcy in shortest possible time and also to ensure that it does not spread to trouble-free areas. As head of the state and as a parent I appeal to people to cooperate, ensure their children remain indoors, don’t violate the curfew and don’t engage security forces,” Omar stressed.
“What was the need to push people towards Sopur if we want their protection? The situation was shifted from North to South Kashmir with a purpose. Otherwise there will have been a spontaneous reaction earlier. The vested interests are exploiting emotions of youth and putting them on forefront, which is resulting in tragic consequences,” Omar said.
However, in the same breath, he sought support from all political parties belonging to different shades, to help government restore normalcy.
“There will be ample opportunities to disagree, settle political scores and propagate ideologies. But is should not be in anybody’s interest to ask youth to sacrifice their lives in this manner. I appeal to all political parties to set aside their differences, come on a common platform to ensure death does not reoccur. I appeal people of country to strand by us.”
Asked that imposition of curfew was not a permanent solution to the situation, Omar said if people “respect” curfew, which helps in “cooling down the tempers” he has no doubt it would help situation to improve. “Curfew does not produce immediate results. It helps settle down the tempers.”
Responding to a question by a scribe that who were responsible for creating the situation and why was not government naming theme, Omar said, “We all know who the people are.”
He also sought help from religious preachers and senior citizens to help improve the situation.
Omar said the media men had rushed to his press conference today expecting him to announce resignation. “There have been two such occasions when media rushed here expecting that I will resign.”

CM RUSHES MINISTERS TO VARMUL:
With the law and order situation worsening across the valley, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday sent a high level team to Varmul district to help local administration take measures for restoring peace in the violence hit North Kashmir towns, an official spokesman said.
The team would invite suggestions from members of civil society and senior citizens besides discussing with the district administration measures for bringing back normalcy in Varmul and Sopur towns and adjacent areas, the spokesman said.
The team comprises PHE Minister Taj Mohiuddin, Agriculture Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir, Chief Minister’s advisor Mubrak Gul and Minister of State for Roads and Buildings Javid Ahmad Dar, he said.
Five youths were killed in Sopur and Delina areas of Varmul district in police and CRPF firing since June 25, prompting authorities to impose an indefinite curfew in parts of the district.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST