Srinagar, Sep 19 (KNO): Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Ravinder Raina on Friday sought to put to rest speculation about a “dual government” in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that both the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah are working in complete coordination for the welfare of the people.
“There is no dual government, but there are two brothers – one elder and one younger,” Raina, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), told reporters during his visit to Asia's second-largest fruit mandi in Sopore.
“The LG wishes for the betterment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and so does the elected government led by Omar Abdullah. Both the brothers are working together and when they do, the betterment efforts become stronger,” he said.
On Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks that he has “nothing in his hand,” be it road or security, Raina said, “Omar sahib might have made this statement out of anger. The concerned minister and NHAI are ensuring restoration on a war footing. Yes, steps taken a few days ago should have been initiated 20 days earlier.”
The BJP leader said that in the last 24 hours alone, over 10,000 fruit-laden trucks had crossed Jammu and the pace would increase further in the coming days. “Hopefully, within the next 10 days, packed apples will be transported to different parts of the country,” he assured.
Raina admitted that apple growers and traders suffered huge losses due to prolonged highway blockages caused by heavy rains and landslides. “The mandi leadership has put forth their demands, including priority for the national highway. I have witnessed lakhs of apple boxes ready for transportation. These issues will be taken up with the government, including the LG and if required, I will take up them with Home Minister Amit Shah.”
Reiterating the central government’s resolve, Raina said both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have consistently assured that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will not be allowed to face hardships. “A special cargo train was mobilised earlier and if required, more such measures will be taken. Whatever possible efforts the Centre has to undertake, they will, to ensure smooth transportation and ease the pain of people,” he said.
Raina said that both essential supplies and apple transportation were moving smoothly again. “The last few days were tough, but now the weather is favourable, transportation is moving and the efforts will continue. Whatever the issues are, we will ensure their early redressal,” he added—(KNO)