China, Not Pakistan, Drives Development in PoK: CM Omar Abdullah
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Synopsis
On March 4, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the development observed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is primarily due to Chinese facilitation, not Pakistan's efforts. His comments followed intense discussions in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly regarding the region's border conditions.
Key Takeaways
- CM Omar Abdullah attributes PoK development to China.
- Pakistan government plays a minimal role in PoK's progress.
- Allegations of misconduct regarding the National Saffron Mission emerged.
- Concerns raised over the facade of development in PoK.
- Protests in Assembly regarding rejected amendment motions.
Jammu, March 4 (NationPress) Following intense verbal confrontations between the National Conference (NC) and BJP MLAs on Tuesday in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly regarding the circumstances in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the progress in PoK was primarily facilitated by China.
CM Abdullah remarked that the advancements observed in PoK are largely driven by China, with the Pakistan government playing a minimal role in this development.
This assertion came after a series of heated discussions among BJP and NC members about the situation in the border regions.
“While we must acknowledge that there is minimal development in our border areas, the other side has made deliberate efforts to present an image of progress.
“However, this so-called development was facilitated by China, not Pakistan,” stated the CM.
He emphasized that India has not requested aid from any foreign entity for infrastructure progress in its border regions.
Criticizing the representation of growth in PoK, he noted, “The PoK government made individuals wear coats to create an illusion of development. Yet, in reality, the pockets of those coats are empty.”
In another notable event in the Assembly, claims of misconduct regarding the ₹401 crore National Saffron Mission (NSM) stirred significant concern as legislators demanded a comprehensive investigation into the issue.
NC MLA Pampore, Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi, along with CPI(M) MLA from Kulgam, Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, raised alarms over suspected irregularities in the execution of this ambitious project aimed at enhancing saffron cultivation in Kashmir.
They called for the government to initiate a probe to determine if funds had been misappropriated or if the project had been mismanaged.
In response to these allegations, Agriculture Minister Javed Dar acknowledged the concerns and assured the House that the department was investigating the situation. “If necessary, a departmental inquiry will be initiated,” he stated.
The National Saffron Mission was inaugurated in 2010 by the previous UPA government under the leadership of Manmohan Singh to revitalize saffron farming in Kashmir.
This multi-crore initiative aimed to introduce modern techniques, enhance irrigation systems, and improve overall saffron yield.
Concerns regarding project failures, mismanagement of funds, and the inability to meet expected outcomes have raised skepticism about its execution.
Additionally, Sajad Gani Lone, MLA from the Handwara constituency in Kupwara district, walked out in protest after the Speaker rejected his amendment motion concerning Article 370, the Public Safety Act (PSA), and police verification.
