Omar Abdullah hits out at Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti, says she has 'abdicated' authority

SRINAGAR: Questioning Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's "silence" on NIT issue, opposition National Conference leader Omar Abdullah today said she has "abdicated" all authority.

"The Deputy CM isn't the head of Government. He doesn't get to order inquiries & action against police. CM has abdicated all authority," Omar said in a series of tweets.

The former Chief Minister was referring to Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh yesterday announcing a magisterial probe into the clashes between local and outstation students at NIT Srinagar after India's defeat by West Indies in the T20 World Cup last week.

Omar said Mehbooba should realise that silence is not always a virtue and the situation demanded that she reassure students from inside and outside the state.

"J&K CM must realise that silence isn't always a virtue. Students, both from within & outside J&K are feeling insecure. Time to reassure them," he said.

"Ms Mufti is happy with information department releasing mundane & inane press notes while keeping totally silent on critical issues," Omar added.

Earlier, Omar had hit out at the Chief Minister saying she was talking about "office cleanliness" when protesters were assaulting policemen and "slain militants were given gun salute" in the Valley.

"Protesters assault police, burn their vehicle and militants given a "gun salute". CM talks about office cleanliness!" Omar tweeted.

A group of residents in south Kashmir Pulwama district yesterday clashed with police personnel after a funeral of a militant killed in a gunbattle with security forces in Shopian district of the Valley.

The protesters also set ablaze a police vehicle during the violent clashes that lasted several hours.