Srinagar, Sep 8: Confirming that ‘certain leads have been shared’ with the J&K Government over the Wednesday’s powerful blasts in New Delhi, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday said they were probing the “J&K link” to the blasts, as suggested by certain reports.
In response to a question on reports of e-mail claiming responsibility for the Delhi High Court blast, which has been traced to Kishtwar district of the state, Omar said the state government would share its leads with the National Investigation Agency, which has been entrusted with the task of probing the incident. “We express our sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in this most unfortunate incident. We pray to God that the families have the strength to deal with the tragedy and also those that are injured make a quick and complete recovery,” Omar told reporters on the sidelines of a function here, to observe the 29th death anniversary of his grandfather, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah.
 Omar said: “Obviously the nation demands answers and it is the responsibility of those who are tasked with protecting this country that they must provide the answers as to who was responsible for this (attack) and what can be done to ensure that attacks like these don’t succeed in future.”
 “As of now it would be premature for me to either accept of reject this premise (whether Kashmir militants might be involved). Obviously certain leads have been shared, investigations are ongoing, we will share our findings with NIA and obviously they will decide to take it further,” Omar said.
 According to Delhi police, the email was sent from a cyber cafe in Kishtwar from the address harkatuljihadi2011@gmail.com. The Delhi blasts claimed lives of at least 12 persons.

ON EMPLOYEES STRIKE
 On strike by government employees in J&K, Omar said the discussion (about their demands) is on. “I believe that we are on a position to re-agree a roadmap on the arrears of employees. Unfortunately while until now the employees have been pressing on the arrears, now that they find that we are more forthcoming on arrears question, they are now raising the question of [enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60 years],” he said, asserting that the demand has “wider connotations.”
 “Now that has wider connotations for a state that is grappling with unemployment where employment opportunities for the youth need to be created more and more. That having been said the 58 to 60 question has not being ruled out. We are in the process of discussing we will see what will emerge,” Omar said.

ON AMNESTY TO STONE-PELTERS
 On amnesty to stone pelters, Omar clarified that it was meant for those who have been released after being arrested since last year up to date. “There should be no confusion on the issue. There are some categories of youth who have been kept out of the purview of amnesty like those involved in arson. Rest everyone comes under its ambit,” he said. “Let’s not say that jails are filled with youth.”

Lastupdate on : Thu, 8 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 8 Sep 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Sep 2011 00:00:00 IST