The Kashmir Pulse

BUDGAM — Former Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Sunday accused the National Conference leadership of choosing his resignation over addressing concerns he had repeatedly raised about the party's failure to fulfil its commitments to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to reporters in Beerwah, Ruhullah said his differences with the party were rooted in its failure to pursue the political commitments made to people following the developments of August 2019. He maintained that his decision to leave the organisation had come at the right time.

"They did not want improvement. They wanted resignation. We asked them to fulfil the promises made to the people, but they did not do so. Instead, they asked for my resignation," Ruhullah said.

He alleged that the party leadership had demonstrated through its actions that it was unwilling to change its political approach despite repeated demands for corrective measures. "When they asked for my resignation instead of addressing the issues, it was a declaration that they did not want to improve. They wanted to continue with the same policy of deceit," he alleged.

Defending the timing of his departure, Ruhullah said he had already explained the circumstances behind his decision during his earlier public address. "After 2019, we had lost everything. What was needed thereafter was a struggle and adherence to the promises made to the people. But those promises were not fulfilled," he said.

The former MP maintained that he had repeatedly questioned the party leadership over its failure to pursue those commitments and had sought corrective measures before deciding to part ways with the organisation.

Responding to criticism from the National Conference following his departure, Ruhullah said he was no longer interested in engaging in a war of words with his former party. "I do not want to answer the National Conference. People will answer them, and time will tell," he said.

He further alleged that the party had failed to discharge the responsibility entrusted to it by voters. "The responsibility given to the National Conference has not been fulfilled. There has to be accountability for that," he said.

Asked about his future political course, Ruhullah indicated that consultations were underway to bring together people willing to pursue the political rights of Jammu and Kashmir. "We are finding a way forward. We are talking to the right people. Inshallah, you will come to know as time passes," he said.

He asserted that the struggle for political rights would continue irrespective of the National Conference's position. "Just because an organisation was given an opportunity does not mean the struggle for our rights should stop. We will continue to fight for our rights," he said.

Ruhullah also commented on international developments, particularly the consequences of conflicts involving the United States and Israel. He said the impact of such conflicts extended beyond the regions directly affected, influencing economies worldwide, including India, through currency fluctuations, prices and international trade.

Referring to political developments abroad, he claimed that people were increasingly rejecting governments and political forces they considered arrogant.

He expressed hope that similar public accountability would emerge wherever political leaderships disregarded people's aspirations, including in Kashmir.

KULGAM — Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday said that Outpatient Department (OPD) services at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora, are expected to commence during the ongoing month.

Taking to reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of developmental projects at Gudder here in South Kashmir, Itoo, according to the news agency KNO, said that the OPD facility getting operational at AIIMS would provide much-needed respite to the people. “It would be an important step towards ensuring access to advanced healthcare facilities closer to people's homes, reducing their dependence on hospitals outside the Union Territory.”

She said Union Health Minister J P Nadda, who visited AIIMS Awantipora earlier this week to review the progress of the institute, had issued necessary directions to the concerned authorities for expediting the process and starting OPD services at the earliest.

The Health Minister further said she had raised the issue of increasing MBBS seats at AIIMS Awantipora from the existing 50 to 100 with the Union Health Minister, adding that the demand stands accepted.

Itoo said the increase in MBBS seats would create additional opportunities for aspiring medical students from Jammu and Kashmir while also strengthening the region's medical education infrastructure.

She added that she had also urged the Union Health Minister to ensure the availability of advanced medical machinery, modern diagnostic equipment and adequate infrastructure at the institute so that patients could receive specialised treatment without being compelled to travel to other states.

Cancer cases increasing at alarming rate

Highlighting the growing burden of cancer in Jammu and Kashmir, Itoo said she had specifically requested the installation of advanced cancer diagnostic equipment at AIIMS Awantipora to facilitate early detection and timely treatment.

"Cancer cases are increasing at an alarming rate in Jammu and Kashmir. I have requested the Union Health Minister to ensure that advanced machinery and diagnostic facilities, particularly for cancer detection, are made available at AIIMS Awantipora. Early diagnosis is crucial, as it can help patients receive timely treatment and improve their chances of recovery," she said.

She said the availability of modern diagnostic and treatment facilities at the institute would help strengthen the healthcare system in Jammu and Kashmir and provide significant relief to patients, particularly those from economically weaker sections who often face difficulties travelling outside the Union Territory for specialised medical care.

Pertinently, AIIMS Awantipora is among the major centrally sponsored healthcare projects in Jammu and Kashmir and is expected to emerge as a major centre for tertiary healthcare, medical education and research in the region. The institute's early operationalisation has remained a longstanding demand of residents, who have been awaiting the commencement of services after several deadlines were missed.

SRINAGAR — The National Conference leadership has sought one year to consider a Cabinet reshuffle and proposed associating four legislators with each minister through departmental consultative groups, even as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reportedly offered to resign during a tense meeting with party MLAs on Friday.

A prominent NC legislator who attended the meeting told the news agency KNS that discussions with party president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah centred on addressing legislators' grievances and improving coordination between ministers and elected representatives.

"The party leadership has sought one year for a cabinet reshuffle. It was also proposed that a consultative group comprising four MLAs would be associated with each minister in the respective departments," the legislator told KNS, requesting anonymity.

The MLA said the proposed arrangement was intended to involve legislators in departmental consultations and provide them with a direct channel to raise issues concerning their constituencies.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of appointing an additional advisor to the Chief Minister from the Jammu region.

"The proposal for one more advisor from Jammu was discussed during the meeting," the MLA said, adding that no appointment had been finalised.

The legislator further revealed that the meeting witnessed tense moments when Omar Abdullah expressed frustration over the pressure he was facing.

"Omar Sahib stood up and tried to leave the meeting. He said he was under pressure and was prepared to resign. He even said that any other legislator could be made Chief Minister," the MLA told KNS.

According to the legislator, the remarks prompted those present to reassure the Chief Minister that they were not seeking a change in leadership.

"We made it clear that we were not against him. Our concerns were about certain issues that needed to be addressed, not about replacing the Chief Minister," he said.

The meeting took place days after a group of NC legislators held consultations over the functioning of the government and subsequently submitted an eight-point memorandum to the party leadership.

The legislators had raised concerns relating to the implementation of election promises, restoration of statehood and special status, Cabinet restructuring, coordination between ministers and MLAs, and organisational matters.

The discussions followed a series of meetings among party legislators that had fuelled speculation about differences within the ruling party.

The recent Cabinet expansion had also brought questions of ministerial representation and the role of legislators into sharper focus.

The MLA said Friday's meeting provided an opportunity for legislators to place their concerns directly before Farooq Abdullah and the Chief Minister.

While the leadership has sought time to consider the demand for Cabinet changes, the proposed departmental consultative groups and the possibility of appointing an additional advisor from Jammu emerged as key issues during the discussions.

The legislator said the effectiveness of the assurances would depend on how the proposals were implemented in the coming months.