Amit Shah's Visit to J&K Not Linked to Kathua Encounter: CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, April 1 — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday clarified that Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the Union Territory was unrelated to the ongoing anti-militancy operation in Kathua.

Speaking to reporters after launching a free bus service for women at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Abdullah said the timing of Shah’s visit was coincidental.

“Do not link the Union Minister’s visit to the Kathua operation. His programme was finalised before the encounter. It is a coincidence that his visit comes around the same time,” Abdullah stated.

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Amit Shah's Visit Covers Development, Not Just Security​

The chief minister emphasized that the home minister’s itinerary extends beyond reviewing the security situation.

“He has a public meeting scheduled in Jammu and, in Srinagar, he will review development works and inaugurate several projects,” he added.

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Meanwhile, a combing operation is underway in the Panjtirthi area of Kathua, where three militants reportedly escaped after a brief encounter with security forces late Monday night, according to officials.

Centre-State Ties Remain Steady​

When asked whether Shah’s visit signals improved relations between the Centre and the J&K administration, Abdullah downplayed the speculation.

“This is not the first time the home minister is visiting. When I was the chief minister of the (erstwhile) state, P. Chidambaram and Sushil Kumar Shinde also visited. These visits are not unusual,” he said.

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Abdullah also acknowledged the Centre’s support over the past few months.

“He (Shah) has tried to help J&K. Last year, we asked for additional funds, and they were granted. We are hopeful that the Centre will continue to support whatever J&K needs this time too,” the chief minister concluded.

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