“No discussion on security issues in today’s meeting; J&K progressing in implementing new laws”
New Delhi, Feb 18: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized that while the implementation of three newly introduced criminal laws is not directly under the purview of the elected government, efforts must be made to educate the public on these legal changes.
Speaking to reporters after attending a review meeting convened by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Omar stated, “The elected government is not responsible for enforcing these laws, but since they are new, there is a need to raise awareness among the people. This is an area where the government must do more.”
He acknowledged that Jammu and Kashmir has performed well in implementing these laws but pointed out certain shortcomings that require attention.
No Security Discussions in the Meeting
Omar clarified that security matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir were not part of the agenda in today’s meeting. He mentioned that he had previously discussed security concerns with Amit Shah during a meeting on the Parliament premises.
Regarding his exclusion from security-related reviews, he remarked, “There is a distinction between this meeting and previous ones. Today’s meeting focused solely on new laws and their execution. If elected representatives are being left out of security discussions, there is little more I can add to the matter.”
Remarks on Opposition’s Stand on CEC Appointment
Responding to Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi’s comments on the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner, Omar said that dissent is a democratic right. “The Leader of Opposition has the authority to express disagreement during the selection process. The opposition does not have to align with the government on every decision. Additionally, the matter concerning the appointment process is currently under judicial review in the Supreme Court.”
High-Level Meeting on Law Implementation
The review meeting, chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah, included key officials from the central and J&K governments, along with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
The discussion revolved around the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam—the newly enacted laws that replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act of 1872. These laws came into effect on July 1 last year.
