Kishtwar, Aug 19, KNT: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that the government’s foremost priority in Kishtwar is to trace those missing in last week’s devastating cloudburst, extend support to the affected families, and adopt expert recommendations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Speaking to reporters, Omar said nearly 70 persons are still unaccounted for, and the likelihood of their survival is negligible. “Our effort will be to retrieve as many bodies as possible and hand them over to families for proper last rites,” he said.
The Chief Minister clarified that the calamity was the result of a cloudburst and not the bursting of glacial lakes as speculated earlier. He said a team of experts has been appointed to assess vulnerable zones and propose measures to mitigate risks.
Turning to education, Omar acknowledged gaps in infrastructure and a shortage of teachers, particularly in remote areas. He assured that the government is committed to modernising classrooms and upgrading facilities for students across the Union Territory.
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He also emphasised the importance of teaching history without distortion. “Messing with history, especially by politicians, is wrong. Governments change, but history should remain truthful. Let children learn facts and decide for themselves,” he remarked.
Omar said his administration will continue its engagement with people despite criticism. “Their job is to oppose everything, and our job is to work,” he said.
On elections, the Chief Minister said his party is prepared. “There will be an election, and we will contest to win the block polls,” he asserted. [KNT]
