Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday warned against attempts to disturb peace in Jammu and Kashmir, saying his government would not allow “jungle rule” or communal discord to take root in the union Territory.
Addressing a function in Bijbehara area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, Omar said that certain elements were trying to vitiate the atmosphere.
“Let’s start a new day, a new beginning. Let the atmosphere and situation remain good. But there are some people who want to establish jungle rule here, who want to spoil the atmosphere and do not like peace. They want religious disorder and fights,” he said.
Referring to a recent incident in Ramban district of Jammu region, the Chief Minister said the “killing” of an “innocent” person was unacceptable and urged strict action against those responsible. He also appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure firm action in the case.
Tensions flared in Ramban district on Monday after alleged cow vigilantes assaulted and chased a youth, forcing him to jump into a fast-flowing river. The youth remains untraced despite rescue efforts.
Authorities have constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe the incident.
“I would like to request my LG sahib, Manoj Sinha, that those people who did this ‘murder’ in Ramban, the way they tried to spoil the atmosphere there, they should be dealt with strictly. So that a message comes out from here, that you can do this jungle rule elsewhere, but in Jammu and Kashmir, I will never allow this jungle rule here. I want to give this message from Jabalipura,” Omar said.
Later, speaking to reporters, Omar termed the Ramban incident “wrong” and criticised individuals taking law into their own hands.
“Who gave them permission to act like this Where is it written that anyone transporting cattle is doing illegal workThese people indulge in hooliganism and want to impose jungle rule. We will not allow that in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
