India News ---Jammu & Kashmir

We Need To Give Omar Time And Support: Rahul

Sep 16th, 2010 | 

• IANS

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Congress general secretary, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday said "we need to give (Jammu and Kashmir chief minister) Omar Abdullah time and support".

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Gandhi said: "Kashmir is a tough and sensitive job. We need to give Mr Omar time and support."

He said he will go to Jammu and Kashmir to carry out a youth membership drive and added that there was a need to involve Kashmir youths in the political system.

The youth Congress and the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and the idea of bringing youngsters into politics is a full time responsibility.

"...My aim is to bring youngsters into politics...Kashmir is not a part-time problem. It is a full time problem," he said. The death toll has risen to 89 in the unrest that started in the Kashmir Valley June 11. (The asian age)
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'Grateful' For Rahul's Backing: Omar

Sep 16th, 2010  PTI
Facing criticism over his handling of the unrest in Kashmir Valley, J&K Chief Minister, Mr Omar Abdullah on Thursday said he was "grateful" to Mr Rahul Gandhi for backing him. 

"I am very grateful for his backing, but I am not saying anything...Whatever, I have to say I will say to Mr Rahul personally," Mr Omar said when asked about the Congress General Secretary's words of support for him. 

Mr Rahul, while addressing a press conference in Kolkata, said "The government has supported Mr Omar Abdullah. National Conference is the party in power. He is a youngster. Kashmir is a difficult place. Mr Omar is doing a tough job and he should be given time and support." He was asked whether Mr Omar had failed in dealing with the situation in Kashmir valley hit by unrest for the past three months. 

Mr Rahul's remarks came amidst reports of a meeting between PDP patron, Ms Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and Congress president, Ms Sonia Gandhi and the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Tuesday night that raised speculation over possible new political realignment in Jammu and Kashmir.

(asian age)