Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah.
Credit: PTI Photo
Srinagar: For the first time after taking over as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (UT), Omar Abdullah left for New Delhi on Wednesday where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
While officials are tight-lipped about the agenda of Abdullah’s Delhi visit, sources said he is meeting the Home Minister in the evening. “Before meeting the Prime Minister, most likely on Thursday, Abdullah will discuss issues related to funds flow for certain infrastructure projects in the Union Territory (UT) and a cabinet resolution seeking restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir with Shah,” they said.
Immediately after taking over as the CM, Abdullah and his cabinet passed a resolution on October 17 urging the Union Government to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir in its "original form".
Interestingly, the resolution was approved by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The cabinet has authorised the Chief Minister to take up the matter with the Prime Minister and the Centre.
Sources said the Chief Minister will also discuss security related issues in the UT with the Union Home Minister following the recent terrorist attack in central Ganderbal district in which seven people lost their lives.
He is also expected to discuss an early inauguration of the Srinagar-Delhi railway link and the Z-Morh Tunnel on Srinagar-Leh highway besides enhancement in power availability for the Kashmir division during winters, they added.