J&K CM Omar Abdullah says youth from his state are second to none in talent, and deserve equal respect and treatment from their fellow countrymen
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said yesterday the tendency to view Kashmiri students with suspicion outside the state needed to be changed. “Whether it is Jan 26 (Republic Day) or August 15 (Independence Day), our students are viewed with suspicion outside the state. I request that this attitude be changed. Our students are denied accommodation when they go to study outside,” Abdullah said.
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He was speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of the Central University of Kashmir in Ganderbal district, the constituency Abdullah represents in the state assembly. “They want equal respect and treatment from their fellow countrymen in other parts of the country”, he added. “Dheir Ayed, Durust Ayed (It happened late, but it finally happened right). I was worried about the delay in the setting up of the central university. I thank the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson and the prime minister for giving us two central universities.
“Our children have already proved their talent in various fields. All they need is a platform,” he added. Abdullah told the university’s vice chancellor that the people of his constituency had been ignored while appointing cooks, labourers and watchmen. “We have given our lands for setting up the university and we have no other means of sustenance. The university must ensure that smaller works inside the campus is allotted to local contractors,” he said.