Srinagar, Jan. 2: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized on Thursday the need to speed up the passport and government employment verification procedures.
“A militant’s son, in my opinion, is not a militant. “Those whose relatives were in any way associated with militancy cannot be denied passports or NOCs,” he stated.
Omar said that during his first stint as the CM, he ended the blacklisting system.
“I have brought up the issue with the relevant authorities, and a number of actions have been taken to streamline the formalities. I have brought up the issue with the CID chief, even though this is outside of my purview under the current hybrid governance structure,” he stated.
The chief minister responded, “I will look into these issues,” when asked about the arrest of journalists Majid Hyderi and Irfan Mehraj in addition to the dismissal of many government workers.
He emphasized his government’s dedication to promoting a free press on the occasion.
“I want accessibility and the freedom for the media to question us.” Journalists can work in an environment free from fear, according to CM Omar.
He stated that he had reviewed the instances with ADGP CID regarding journalists who had received negative verification reports for media accreditation.
The CM also assured to take measures for reinstatement of the Press Club in Srinagar.
