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Omar confident despite coalition hiccups with Cong in state
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 24
Despite an “avoidable misunderstanding” with coalition partner, the Congress, over reservations in elections to block development councils (BDCs) in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah looks forward to tackling all issues and completing his full term.

In an interview with The Tribune, the Chief Minister said relations were “fine” between the National Conference and the Congress. Issues such as crisis over the panchayat elections do crop up in any coalition, particularly in a post-poll coalition, he said.

“The ambitions and perceptions of individuals in coalition arrangements need to be resolved properly for smooth functioning of the government,” he said.

Omar made it clear that there was no crisis with the Congress, holding that there was an “avoidable misunderstanding” on the issue of reservations in the elections to the BDCs.

Omar pointed out that his government had to cancel the BDC elections by issuing an ordinance in a hurry as the last date for filing of nomination papers for the elections, earlier scheduled for November 7, was coming closer.

On revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the Chief Minister said militancy could be tackled without the Army. If militancy was being tackled in areas without the Army, then there was no need of AFSPA.

Having discussed the issue with the Union Home Minister, the Chief Minister is hopeful of a “positive” response.