Stop victimisation of Kashmir students, traders outside J&K: Omar
Welcomes rail projects halt, seeks more Vande Bharat trains; hails US Tariff Cut
04/02/2026
JAMMU, Feb 3: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday called for an immediate end to the alleged harassment of Kashmiri students and traders in different parts of the country, saying continued victimisation of people from the Valley was unacceptable.
Speaking to reporters after the first sitting of the Budget Session of the J&K Assembly, Abdullah said he had raised the issue at the North Zone Chief Ministers' Conference and urged fellow chief ministers and the Union Home Minister to ensure the safety of Kashmiris living outside the Union Territory.
"Whether students or traders, harassment of Kashmiris must stop," the chief minister said, appreciating the Uttarakhand government for taking prompt action, including registration of cases and arrests.
He expressed concern over reports of harassment from neighbouring Himachal Pradesh and appealed to the state government to intervene without delay. "Himachal Pradesh is our neighbouring state. Despite the Congress being in power there, people are being stopped, harassed and beaten. Immediate action is needed," Abdullah said.
The issue was also briefly raised in the Assembly ahead of Question Hour, though Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather rejected an adjournment motion seeking a discussion.
On the economic front, the chief minister welcomed the US decision to reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods, terming it a relief for exporters facing difficulties due to high duties.
"Many exporters were under severe pressure and some feared closure of their businesses. The reduction in tariffs will benefit our exports," he said, while adding that the impact of India sourcing oil from alternative markets would need to be closely watched.
Abdullah also welcomed the Railway Ministry's decision to put three proposed railway projects in Jammu and Kashmir on hold, saying the move reflected public sentiment as the routes were passing through productive orchards and major tourist areas.
"There was no strong public demand for these routes. Elected representatives and locals felt the projects would cause more loss than benefit," he said, adding that he had raised the matter with the Railway Minister on several occasions.
At the same time, he sought an increase in the frequency and number of coaches of the Vande Bharat trains operating between Katra and Srinagar, saying the existing capacity was inadequate. "People are unable to get tickets and have to book months in advance," he said.
Commenting on sports, Abdullah criticised the politicisation of India-Pakistan cricket matches, saying such contests were often projected as "war" instead of sport. "Sports and politics should not be mixed," he said.
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