Jammu, Mar 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday, while emphatically dismissing rumours about the scarcity of petrol, diesel or LPG, stated that he would attend an online meeting to be convened by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 27 evening on West Asia scenario to get an update about the evolving situation there.
He said that in the proposed meeting, they (Chief Ministers and other participants) would come to know about further measures being taken by the Centre for assured supply of essentials and addressing other issues, in case of a long-drawn war scenario.
CM Omar reassured the people that there was no shortage of essentials anywhere for the time being.
He, however, also warned them that the government would be forced to shut petrol pumps for a few days if they (people) continued to overcrowd there, falling for rumours on social media vis-à-vis essentials’ shortage.
“This is an unfortunate thing that when the government makes a statement, none pays heed to it. But everyone readily believes rumours. Just a couple of days ago, I chaired a review meeting wherein it was categorically made clear and conveyed that for the time being, there was no shortage of essentials anywhere, be it diesel, petrol or LPG cylinders. And the situation has not undergone any change in the last two or three days,” the Chief Minister asserted, while responding to media queries after inaugurating the Jammu marathon–2026 expo at Dussehra Ground, Gandhi Nagar.
He also pointed out that the central government too assessed the situation at regular intervals of time. “While taking stock of the situation from time to time, the central government too has not issued any directive for rationing or limiting the use of essentials. Therefore, I humbly request all those people, who have been standing in serpentine queues outside the petrol pumps, just believing the canards spread through social media,” CM Omar said.
In the same breath, he cautioned that in case, the people, falling for rumours of social media, did not stop rushing and crowding the petrol pumps, the government would be compelled to shut them down.
“Don’t force us. If the same situation (overcrowding) persists, I’ll shut down petrol pumps for a few days – till the rumour-mongering does not stop,” the Chief Minister warned.
“Because if, notwithstanding the repeated assurances by the government that there is no shortage of essentials, just on the basis of rumours, you (people) will continue to crowd the petrol pumps, the situation will take a downturn and worsen, without any rhyme or reason. So, I reiterate my appeal to the people – stop remaining stationed outside the petrol pumps. For the time being there is no shortage (of essentials) anywhere,” he reiterated.
In the same context, the Chief Minister informed, “The Prime Minister has convened an online meeting scheduled to be held tomorrow evening at 6.30 pm. I, too, will get an opportunity to attend that. During the meeting focussed on evolving situation in the backdrop of war in West Asia, we will get an update about the state of affairs in Iran and adjoining areas (countries), Besides, we will also come to know about others measures being taken by the (central) government and how the essential supplies will be assured, in case the war gets stretched further.”
He maintained that there was no reason for panic or fear. “In the present circumstances I want to assure the people that there is no scarcity of oil and oil products anywhere in the country. There should be no element of fear as the availability of supplies is sufficient enough,” CM Omar said.
He responded to a query about the reaction of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Pakistan brokering US-Iran deal to end war, with a counter-question.
“If Pakistan plays any role that can end the war, why should you or I object to that?” he asked.
“Let it play the role of broker if it (Pakistan) has good ties with Israel and Iran. If the US Vice President is willing to go there and talk to them and if that dialogue achieves a breakthrough in ending the war, I don’t think – anyone should have an objection or problem,” the Chief Minister remarked.
With regard to a question about Rs 450 Cr pending dues of private hospitals under Ayushman health card scheme, creating a crisis situation in the health sector, CM Omar assured to look into it.
When asked about the Jammu marathon expo event, the Chief Minister stated that it had been the endeavour of the government to combine the tourism promotion with a healthy lifestyle.
“In that connection it has been a matter of great satisfaction for all of us that on Sunday (March 29), we will have the inaugural Jammu half-marathon together with 10K and 5K events. Jammu and Kashmir Bank has come forward as the title sponsor and the event has received an encouraging response, including from foreign participants. More than 800 participants are coming from outside J&K, while nearly 2,800 registrations have been received from within J&K. Considering this is the first edition, the response is highly encouraging, and we expect it to grow further,” CM Omar said.
