Zero tolerance towards terrorism: J&K CM Omar Abdullah calls for ending terrorism in state

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 9 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday emphasized the need for zero tolerance towards terrorism in the region during a discussion on Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to J&K.

Abdullah stated, " There should be zero tolerance towards terrorism. We have to take Jammu and Kashmir to the point where I left it in 2014. In 2014, terrorism was at its lowest in Jammu and Kashmir," highlighting the state's progress under his tenure.

He reiterated that even today, efforts to end terrorism remain a top priority but stressed, "Terrorism cannot be ended without taking people along."

On another front, Abdullah also weighed in on the US's recent move to impose tariffs, saying, "...If the US economy is affected, the world economy will also be affected."

He expressed concerns over the shift in US trade policy, adding, "The country that told the world about the free trade agreement is today working against the free trade agreement."

Abdullah further pointed out the irony in the US's stance, saying, "China seems to be more in favour of free trade than the US... The US is playing the role of China and China is playing the role of the US."

Earlier on Wednesday, Abdullah strongly criticized the Waqf Amendment Act, stating that it has caused widespread dissatisfaction across the nation.

He said, "A major section of the nation is upset with the bill and they feel that the government is interfering in their religious matters."

"There was no need for the Waqf Amendment Act. A religion is being targeted. There was no need for the Waqf Amendment Act. A religion is being targeted...Non-Muslims are being allowed to review the Waqf activities," he added, expressing concerns over the bill's implications on Muslim religious affairs.

He specifically objected to the provision allowing non-Muslims to review Waqf activities, questioning the fairness of such an inclusion.

He further stated, "Do you allow non-Hindus to keep a check on the activities of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board or Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board? Can they allow any non-Sikhs to keep a check on the activities of the SGPC?"

Abdullah added that his party is likely to challenge the Waqf Amendment Act in the Supreme Court, indicating that the legal route may be pursued to contest the law.