Never Favored Such Bans, Centre Gave No Intel: Omar on AAC
Gulmarg, March 12: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed his reservations over the Centre’s recent ban on the Awami Action Committee (AAC) led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, stating that his government was not provided with any intelligence input justifying such an action. He reiterated that he has never supported such decisions in principle.
The central government had on Tuesday imposed a five-year ban on AAC and the Shia leader Masroor Abbas Ansari-led Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (IM), citing their alleged involvement in anti-national activities, support for terrorism, and encouragement of secessionist movements. The move has sparked a political debate in the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of the fifth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, Abdullah distanced his government from the Centre’s decision, stating, “I do not know the basis of the ban. This is not within the purview of the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir. The intelligence inputs that led to this decision have not been shared with us.”
He further emphasized that he has never supported such restrictions, remarking, “On principle, we have never been in favor of such decisions.”
No Evidence of Provocative Statements from Mirwaiz, Says Omar
While commenting on Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s role, Abdullah pointed out that since the cleric’s release from house arrest, there had been no provocative statements from him that could justify such a ban. However, he acknowledged that his administration lacked specific details regarding the Centre’s rationale behind the decision.
“Since the Mirwaiz was released from house arrest, I have not seen any objectionable statement from him. But we do not have any information about the reasons behind the ban. We will assess the situation and decide our course of action accordingly,” he stated.
When asked if the ban was imposed due to Mirwaiz’s criticism of a recent fashion show held at Gulmarg, Abdullah dismissed such speculation. “You cannot say that,” he remarked.
The fashion event, held at the ski resort during the holy month of Ramzan, had attracted criticism from various quarters, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who had condemned the event, stating that “obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated.”
Omar Responds to BJP’s Allegations on Hotel Ownership
Abdullah also responded to allegations from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the ownership of the hotel where the controversial fashion show took place. The BJP had alleged that the hotel in question belonged to one of Abdullah’s relatives.
Acknowledging the claim, the Chief Minister stated, “Yes, the hotel belongs to one of my relatives, and I am not denying that.”
He further elaborated, “There are two hotels in Gulmarg that belong to my relatives — Nedous and Highland Park. But I have already addressed this matter in the Assembly, and I have nothing more to add.”
When questioned about whether any legal action would follow regarding the event, Abdullah maintained a neutral stance, stating, “If anything unlawful has been done, then action will be taken as per the law.”
Disappointment Over J&K’s Performance in Khelo India Games
On a different note, Abdullah expressed his disappointment over Jammu and Kashmir’s performance in the Khelo India Winter Games, noting that the region failed to secure a spot in the top three in the medal tally.
“I congratulate the Army, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh for their success. However, I regret that despite skiing originating in this country from Gulmarg, we could not make it to the top three,” he remarked.
Abdullah emphasized the need for improved sports infrastructure and better coaching facilities to enhance local athletes’ competitiveness on a national level. “We need to make better arrangements for infrastructure and coaches. I hope that by the time the sixth edition of the Khelo India Games is held next year, Jammu and Kashmir secures a position among the top three,” he asserted.
