Omar Abdullah dares ultras to attack him

Calling militants cowards for targeting panches and sarpanches, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today dared ultras to carry out an attack on him saying they would not do it fearing a befitting reply.

"These (militants) cowards are attacking defenseless people. If they have the courage let them carry out an attack on me. But they will not do it as they know they will get a befitting reply," Omar told reporters here.

He said the government would not remain a silent spectator to these attacks and would take all necessary measures to ensure the security of panches and sarpanches in vulnerable areas.

Omar, however, lamented that an impression was being created that the situation in the Valley had gone out of control and the panches and sarpanches were resigning day in and day out.

"So far, we have only received 50 resignation since the panchayat elections were held last year," he said adding none of these resignations had been accepted so far.

Referring to the killing of three panchayat members this year, Omar said the state government would not allow the ultras to derail the strengthening of Panchayati Raj system in the state.

"I have convened a meeting on October one to discuss this issue. We have to increase the deployment of security forces or change the deployment pattern according to the threat perception," he said.

Lashing out at separatists and militants, the Chief Minister said the "gun-wielding" people were acting against the interest of Jammu and Kashmir.

"The recent example of this is stopping of work on the Wullar project which only benefits the neighbouring country," he said.

Omar said there would be attempts to derail the Panchayat process but the government was determined to foil all such designs.

The Chief Minister lamented that an impression is being created that government believes that issues have been resolved after the Panchayat elections.

... contd.

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