Sign in

Omar to chalk out ways to bring back youths from PoK

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that his government would work out modalities with the centre on bringing back Kashmiri youths, who had gone to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir for arms training but are now desirous of returning.

Updated on: Jan 15, 2009, 22:05:21 IST
PTI | By , Srinagar
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that his government would work out modalities with the centre on bringing back Kashmiri youths, who had gone to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir for arms training but are now desirous of returning.

HT Image
HT Image

"The issue of Kashmiri youths presently in PoK and desirous of returning to Kashmir will be taken up with the Centre," Omar told reporters in Srinagar, adding modalities will be worked out with the centre on ways to bring them back as reports suggested that some of them were coming on passports.

On the issue of expansion of his Council of Ministers, Omar said, "The government is a coalition one. We have to talk to the allies and newly elected party president of NC for expanding the cabinet. It will be done after consultations."

Asked whether the government intended to hand over the management of shrines to the Muslim Auqaf Trust, which was taken over by the previous PDP-Congress alliance, he said that there had been "no talk on this within the government. We have also not received any proposal from the party to reverse the previous order."

The Chief Minister denied any trade taking place between Kashmir and PoK, saying there is no means of communication between the two sides.

"First of all, we have to restore communication and financial links between the two sides," he said.

On the issue of release of separatists leaders, the Chief Minister hoped that the process of releasing the detenues will be set in motion within a few days.

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.