Working with Center, Does Not Mean I Accept Everything They Do: CM Omar

Hopes International Tourists Will Be Attracted to Gulmarg’s Development as Skiing Destination

Srinagar, 17 Jan (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on Friday said working with the central government does not in any way mean that he accepts everything that the Government of India does.

Speaking about skiing on the slopes of Gulmarg, Omar Abdullah as per the news agency JKNS said his vision for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir through development, particularly focusing on Kashmir’s vast tourism potential.

Pertainly, Gulmarg, known as an international skiing destination, has caught the attention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is keen on developing the area further as a key tourism hotspot.

Amid criticism suggesting that Omar Abdullah’s focus on skiing is a distraction from development efforts, the Chief Minister clarified, while speaking on India Today’s “Jab We Met” program, said we are not diverting money from anywhere else to develop this.

He said, tourism is the foundation of our economy. Tourism, agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts—these are all interconnected. People come here for tourism and buy local products such as saffron, apples, almonds, and other handicrafts.

Omar further defended the development of Gulmarg’s infrastructure, including the installation of ski lifts. “Look at the number of people here. These lifts are not just for me; they are for everybody,” he said. He also highlighted how local youth are increasingly involved in skiing and other sports, adding that Gulmarg is not only attracting international tourists but also seeing a rise in Indian visitors.

While discussing the challenges of attracting international tourists, Omar acknowledged the impact of travel advisories, saying, “One of the problems we face are travel advisories, but even with those restrictions, we do hope to have more foreign tourists. We hope that these travel advisories will be eased soon. The Ministry of Home Affairs will review them.”

When asked about his personal passion for skiing, Omar smiled and said, “I’m just a keen skier.” However, his remarks on governance reflected his larger concerns for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. Regarding his relationship with the central government, he said, “Look, if push comes to shove, why should one start on a bad note? The fact is, when I met the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, they were clear in saying that the people have spoken, and the mandate must be respected. They will support and assist the government to the fullest extent. If there’s no reason for conflict, why should I pick a fight when it’s not necessary? If that situation arises, we will deal with it, but it hasn’t yet.”

Omar also acknowledged the pressures of being Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, saying, “Politics is about differing opinions. There will be people who don’t agree with me. They are welcome to try their luck and sit on the chair where I am sitting. Let them, and then they will be as smart as they like.”

When questioned about his approach to working with the central government, Omar made it clear, “I am not soft towards the center. Please understand, working with the Government of India does not mean that I accept everything they do. It doesn’t mean I accept what the BJP does. There is no common ground between the National Conference’s position on issues that matter to Jammu and Kashmir and the BJP’s policies. There is no agreement on these things. But if we agree that Jammu and Kashmir needs to progress, that development needs to take place, and that statehood needs to be restored, then why should I pick a fight at this moment?”—(JKNS)

Weather Update for Jammu and Kashmir: January 17-27, 2025

The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has issued a weather forecast for Jammu and Kashmir for January 17-27, 2025. Here are the key highlights:

• January 17-19: Partly to generally cloudy with chances of very light snowfall at isolated higher reaches. No significant activity expected.
• January 20-21: Generally cloudy; light snowfall possible at isolated to scattered locations.
• January 22: Cloudy with light rain likely in Jammu plains and light snowfall in scattered areas of Kashmir and Jammu.
• January 23: Light to moderate rain expected in Jammu plains, with light to moderate snowfall in many parts of J&K.
• January 24-27: Dry weather forecasted.

Advisory: Tourists, travelers, and transporters should follow administrative and traffic advisories during periods of snow and rain.

Stay tuned for updates from MET Centre Srinagar.

LMD cracks-down on illegal petrol pumps

30 unauthorized petrol pumps sealed across Kashmir Valley in a single day

Srinagar, Jan 16 (,GNS): In a significant enforcement drive, Legal Metrology under the close supervision of Anuradha Gupta, Controller Legal Metrology J&K sealed 30 outlets today which were found selling petrol and Diesel in violation of the Legal Metrology Act 2009.

This action was part of a comprehensive effort to protect the consumer interest by ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act and Petroleum Rules. The specially constituted teams of the Legal Metrology Department carried out simultaneous inspections in seven districts of Kashmir division where these outlets were operating illegally.

These special inspection teams were constituted for this purpose by way of a special order issued by the Controller, Legal Metrology and intensive inspection drives were carried out by the respective teams today during which it was found that these illegal fuel outlets were violating key legal standards and regulatory norms, including the use of unverified Nozzles and teampering with the measuring devices.
It was observed that these fuel dispensing units were operating without any authorisation either from the Oil Marketing Companies or the Petroleum and Safety Organization and the Nozzles which were used for delivering fuel to consumers were found without any verification from the Legal Metrology Department.

The quantity of Petrol or Diesel which was paid by the Consumers was not guaranteed to them in absence of the certification and checks by the concerned agencies.

In light of these facts all such dispensing units were sealed today in Budgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar and Anantnag. Cases have been registered against the owners/operators of these sealed petrol pumps and legal proceedings under the relevant sections of the Legal Metrology Act and Petroleum Rules are underway.

The Order issued by Controller Legal Metrology J&K has mentioned that there are reports of various outlets operating in Kashmir valley in contravention of Section 24, Section 12, Section 30 and Section 26 of Legal Metrology Act 2009 which not only goes against the interest of Consumers but they also pose a serious hazard to the public safety as they are operating without any safety standards required from Petroleum and Safety Organisation.

The order further reads that these outlets are operating in violation of the terms and conditions laid down under Rule 141 of Petroleum Rules and the allied From XIII & Article 4 therein and this non-compliance with the Legal Metrology Act and the rules therefore compromises with the transparency and consumer interest. The breach of Petroleum Rules further jeopardizes the safe handling and storage of flammable substances like Petrol and Diesel.

Anuradha Gupta said the Legal Metrology will continue such drives to ensure compliance and deter future violations. Consumers are also advised to get fuel from authorised outlets only, she added.

Meanwhile, the department has urged consumers to be vigilant and report any short delivery at fuel stations to the department. The cooperation of consumers is vital in curbing illegal operations and ensuring fair and safe fuel distribution.(GNS)