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Omar on pre-poll alliance with Cong

SYED BASHARAT. Dated: 9/2/2013 11:19:40 PM

‘NC undecided, Farooq to take call’

SRINAGAR, Sept 2: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who is also acting president National Conference (NC) today said his party entering a pre-poll alliance with its coalition partner Congress is so far undecided. Omar said his father and NC patron Dr Farooq Abdullah is authorised to take a final decision in this regard.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of an investiture ceremony held at Raj Bhavan here Omar while referring to pre-poll alliance with Congress said: “National Conference has not taken a decision yet.” He further informed: “Whatever decision Dr Farooq takes, will be followed by party leaders.”
The NC acting president was responding about media reports that Congress, at a latest party meeting in Jammu, has decided to go alone in the next assembly elections. Omar also rubbished claims of any differences between his party and the Congress. “There is no tension. There is still some time to go for the (Assembly) elections.”
Asked about the stiff opposition to orchestra conductor Zubin Mehta’s concert in the Valley, Omar said music is part of Kashmiri culture and to present it as outside Kashmiriyat is not right. “Off course, everyone has political views but music is in our culture. To present music outside Kashmiriyat is not right.”
The Chief Minister said those claiming to hold a music concert would affect the status of Kashmir issue are weak. “Either their leadership is weak or the issue itself is weak that a music concert will affect its status.” Omar said the German Embassy was trying to give people exposure to the Bavarian Orchestra. “I think it is a good thing.”
Asked if his government will allow a parallel show aimed at depicting ground situation of Kashmir being organised by a civil society group, Omar said he was not opposed to holding any event as long as it is peaceful.
A civil society group has decided to hold a programme titled ‘Haqeeqat-e-Kashmir’ (Truth of Kashmir) at the same time as Mehta’s performance on September 7.
Meanwhile, commenting on its anti insurgency role, Omar praised Jammu and Kashmir Police saying that it (Police) has dealt with the situation very nicely. “You can control the militancy but when it comes to cutting its roots, it won’t be possible without the support of JK Police,” he said.
The Chief Minister hoped that Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan would meet on the sidelines of a conference to be held in New York. “Though it was not clear as to whether the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan would meet on the sidelines of a conference in New York, but I hope that the two leaders should meet. We have issues with Pakistan which can only be resolved through talks,” he said.