Omar Abdullah expresses concern over harassment of JK students, traders

GANDERBAL (J&K): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today expressed concern over difficulties faced by local students and traders in other parts of the country and asked the political leadership to play their role in reversing the trend.

"Every Kashmiri is not a gun-wielding person and most of them who once held guns, have renounced violence," Omar said addressing a public gathering after laying foundation stone of the Central University of Kashmir here with Union Minister for Human Resource Development M M Pallam Raju.

Omar said the quest to seek higher education at reputed institutions in the country prompts Kashmiri students to move out of the state, but they face difficulties in getting accommodation and carry on with their educational activities, which is a cause for concern.

"I am reiterating it time and again at national and state forums that there is dire need of a mindset change vis-a-vis Kashmiri youths pursuing education and those engaged in economic activities, so that they do not feel any discrimination at any level," he said.

The Chief Minister said, boys and girls of Kashmir want palatable and conducive environment in other parts of the country to seek higher education. "They do not want to be looked upon with suspicion and want equal respect and treatment in other parts of the country," he said.

Omar assured support and help to students and traders pursuing their career in other parts of the country.

Praising the people of Ganderbal for providing land for the Central University, Omar impressed upon university management to provide maximum employment to locals. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi for granting two central universities to the state.

"This is an age of competition and youth have to face various challenges in pursuing higher educational goals, as such, they should prepare themselves for tougher competitions and prove their ability," he added.