Poonch, Dec 02: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of border roads, stating that ongoing widening, four-laning, and tunnel projects have disrupted existing stretches, which are not being properly maintained.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Poinch, Omar Abdullah said he personally reviewed the condition of roads from Srinagar to Mughal Road, Bafliyaz, Poonch and Rajouri.
“The condition of the roads is not bad because work is not happening it is bad because work is happening. Tunnel and four-lane projects are underway, but existing stretches must at least be maintained,” he said.
He added that he would submit a detailed report to the Government of India and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, since the roads fall under the Border Roads Organisation.
“I will request Rajnath Singh to speed up the work and ensure proper maintenance until the tunnels are completed,” he said.
On public demands regarding bunkers along the border, the CM said the construction process would continue depending on feasibility.
“Individual bunkers will be made where possible; otherwise, community bunkers will be built. We don’t have the resources or space for individual bunkers everywhere,” he noted.
Omar Abdullah also responded to the controversy over seat distribution in a university-run medical college, dismissing calls for religion-based allotment.
“They approved NEET knowing seats cannot be distributed on religious lines. Students who earned marks in NEET cannot be punished for their religion. Neither the law nor the Constitution allows this,” he said.
He added that if any institution wanted religious-based seat reservations, it must first stop taking government grants, pay for the land allotted to it, and amend its laws.
When asked about the demolition of a journalist’s house, Omar Abdullah said the matter did not occur under his government’s directions.
“Those who appointed the officer who carried out the action should be questioned when they come here,” he said.(KNS)
