Omar Abdullah Vows Free and Independent Media in Srinagar Interaction ‘Dual Power Centers Undermine Governance Effectiveness’

Srinagar, Jan 2, KNT: In an interaction with media personnel, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah pledged his commitment to fostering a free and independent press while addressing various governance and policy issues. The meeting, held in Srinagar, was hailed as a step towards rebuilding trust between the media and the administration. Abdullah called for an open dialogue, allowing journalists to ask questions without restrictions, signaling a shift towards greater transparency and accessibility.

The Chief Minister began by emphasizing his desire to see the media operate without external pressures. “I wish to see the media free from any pull or pressure. I don’t want to see you getting phone calls asking why you wrote something,” he stated. He reiterated that his government would respect the independence of journalists and ensure they could work without fear or bias. Abdullah also acknowledged past grievances regarding media accreditation and confirmed that he had spoken to the ADG CID to review cases where journalists’ credentials had been withheld.

The inclusivity of the meeting was appreciated by several journalists, who pointed out that this was the first time since 2019 that an official invitation had been extended without selective bias. Many welcomed the interaction as a departure from previous practices, which they said often involved a “pick-and-choose” policy that excluded many voices.

Omar Abdullah also addressed the long-standing demand for the reinstatement of the Press Club in Srinagar. He assured the media fraternity that steps would be taken to restore the institution, though he stressed the importance of ensuring it is managed by a credible organization dedicated to the welfare of journalists.

On governance, Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fulfilling the promises outlined in the National Conference manifesto. He described the current Union Territory (UT) phase as temporary and reiterated that the restoration of statehood remains a top priority. “Certain things can only be achieved once we regain statehood. Instead of going to court, I chose to remind the Government of India of their promise to restore statehood,” he explained.

The Chief Minister spoke about balancing development and land rights, a contentious issue in the region. While acknowledging concerns about land reclamation, he highlighted the importance of infrastructure development for progress. “If the people of Pulwama don’t want the NIT project, they should let me know, and we will find an alternative location,” he said, adding that an MLA had already offered land for the initiative.

Omar Abdullah addressed several pressing issues, including unscheduled power cuts, which he attributed to maintenance work. He noted that the administration spends Rs 9,500 crore annually on power purchases and emphasized the need for better planning and management.

On land and lease policies, he said the government is formulating clear guidelines for Gulmarg and Pahalgam hoteliers and for those affected by the Roshni Scheme, aiming to balance economic growth with fairness.

The Chief Minister also reflected on the challenges of governing a UT, describing it as a learning experience. He spoke of the importance of defining boundaries between the administration and the Raj Bhavan to ensure effective governance.

Abdullah expressed his admiration for the people of Kashmir, commending their spontaneous hospitality during the recent snowfall when stranded tourists were offered shelter, demonstrating a spirit of inclusivity and compassion that transcends religious boundaries.

Responding to questions about cultural gestures, Abdullah defended his choice to wear traditional attire, such as the Sozni cap, as a nod to his heritage, while also respecting the customs of other regions by donning a pagdi in Jammu. “These gestures do not weaken my faith; they represent my respect for all cultures,” he said.

As the interaction concluded, Abdullah reiterated his hope for regular engagements with the media, promising to hold similar sessions twice a year to ensure transparency. “This is an effort to be more open and accessible. I hope these interactions continue without artificial boundaries,” he said. [KNT]