Srinagar, Apr 21 (KNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that efforts are in full swing to restore the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and residential areas in Ramban district, which were severely affected by landslides triggered by heavy rainfall.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, the Chief Minister, said he is personally visiting Ramban today to assess the situation on the ground and will also chair a review meeting.
"In several parts of Ramban, the situation has worsened. I had sent the Deputy Chief Minister along with two local MLAs to assess the ground reality," he said. Omar added that the administration is working on a war footing to ensure the highway is reopened at the earliest and to assist the residents affected by the landslides.
The Chief Minister further said arrangements are being made to provide relief to the affected families and that the Prime Minister's Relief Fund, along with other available funds, will be tapped to ensure timely compensation.
Assuring the public, he said, “There is no shortage of essential commodities. Strict directions have been given to act against black marketing and price manipulation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelPolice will take action against violators, and if required, arrests will be made.”
He also urged people to report any incidents of black marketing to the authorities.
Omar said while the Srinagar-Jammu highway remains closed for now, the administration is keeping the Mughal Road as an alternative route to ensure supplies reach Kashmir if necessary.
Meanwhile, responding to a separate query, the Chief Minister clarified that the Supreme Court has the jurisdiction to review the actions of the Centre or any government body. Citing examples, he said, "We approached the SC over Article 370. Even the emergency during Indira Gandhi’s tenure was challenged in court. Judicial review should not be politicized."
He added that the Assembly had done its part and the matter is now sub judice. "So far, we have managed to secure some relief from the court. The interference of non-Muslims has been halted, and self-declared waqf is currently not being stopped. Let the Supreme Court do its job," Omar concluded. (KNS)