CM’s Alibi Not Justified

It was really a shocking statement by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that ensuring peace in Jammu and Kashmir was not his Government’s responsibility. If the government of a state or Union Territory will openly refuse to take responsibility for the welfare and safety of the people, then the outcome is expected to be devastating. The logic which apparently is coming out of the statement by the chief minister is that the security including police is under the reign of central government and therefore he has no powers to bring peace in J&K. This is nothing but a lame excuse because for peace to prevail in a region, it is not only police or security forces which are solely responsible because the government as a welfare state has the responsibility to create an environment which inspire the people to remain constructive and be the part of mainstream instead of becoming outlaw and opt for paths of terror and destruction. By simply shunning the onus on maintaining peace, CM Omar has in a way shown his inability to lead Jammu and Kashmir in the right direction, which is nothing but escapism. On the contrary, Omar Abdullah should have taken the challenge head on and come up with schemes and avenues for the people so that going against peace or the interests of the country should become the last option for those having double-mind to choose between peaceful dwelling and relying on violence. The remark by the Chief Minister, “Thank God there is something we are not being blamed for. Ensuring peace is not the responsibility of my Government”, simply showcases the weaker side of his personality traits because if he had the desired courage he would have assured the people of J&K that his government will stand shoulder to shoulder with the central government to end terrorism, and also take all necessary steps to bring back the terror mongers to mainstream as this solely comes under the ambit of his government. It is a bit intriguing that a seasoned politician like Omar Abdullah thinks that prevalence of peace can be ensured by those having the charge of police and security. Peace needs a mature approach of the government in power by providing vistas of opportunities to the people under its jurisdiction, eliminating alienation and leading them towards nationalism and nation building. It is unfortunate that the chief minister of J&K is unaware of this simple fact and is expecting that peace will usher under the pressure of security forces and the local police.