Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday confirmed that a long-awaited expansion of the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers will go ahead, though he made clear the process will only move forward once Independence Day observances on August 15 are behind the government.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, the Chief Minister initially indicated the expansion could happen before August 15, before correcting himself. “We will do it. We hope before 15th of August. No, no, not before 15th of August,” he said, citing the administration’s focus on Independence Day preparations. Pressed further on whether an expansion was definitely on the cards, he was unambiguous: “Yes, there will be. It will be done. No problem.”
The Chief Minister also addressed a separate long-pending matter involving outstanding sportspersons, revealing that around 230 appointment letters are set to be issued to athletes. He said Sports Minister Satish Sharma had personally assured the sportspersons that the process would be finalised in the coming weeks, part of a broader push to formalise government support for athletic talent across the Union Territory.
On sports infrastructure more broadly, Omar Abdullah stressed that Jammu and Kashmir’s ambitions would not be limited to cricket alone, despite ongoing plans for international-standard cricket stadiums. He pointed to strong local talent in gymnastics, martial arts, roller sports, kayaking and canoeing, and said the government intends to expand support for these disciplines.
The Chief Minister also touched on the ongoing standoff between the Centre and opposition in Parliament, welcoming reports that Union Home Minister Amit Shah would respond to issues raised by opposition parties. He said it was natural for the opposition to raise concerns and equally the government’s responsibility to respond, adding he hoped Parliament would function smoothly through the remainder of the session. On unrest in Jharkhand, he called for protests to remain peaceful.
Turning to civic concerns, Omar Abdullah addressed worries over drinking water quality in Kashmir, saying the government remains committed to ensuring potable water reaches residents. He specifically flagged the practice of drawing raw water from Dal Lake, stressing that supplies delivered under schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission must meet prescribed quality standards. He also reiterated his stance on recent sexual crime cases in the region, calling for immediate arrests and severe punishment.
