J&K CM Omar Abdullah Corrects Union Minister Nadda on Paper Leak Date, Demands Dialogue with Protesters

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday contested Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda's claim regarding the J&K Service Selection Board (SSB) paper leak, pointing out an error in the date mentioned by Nadda. In a post on social media platform X, Abdullah clarified that the leak occurred in 2022, when the government was headed by the Lieutenant Governor, not by the National Conference or Congress.

Abdullah further referenced a Jammu and Kashmir High Court observation on the matter, asking what happened to the High-Level Committee formed to investigate the leak and its report. He challenged Nadda to share details of the committee's findings in his next press conference.

The Chief Minister noted that investigations into the leak had already been conducted and the case was with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of fast-track courts for the NEET paper leak scandal but urged the central government to engage with students protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

“Dialogue, not retaliation, is the way forward, and peaceful protesters deserve to be heard,” Abdullah said, emphasizing the need for talks rather than ignoring the concerns of the youth.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti also backed the protesters, stating that democracy is being stifled by force. She referenced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's message to Gen Z, “Daro mat” (Don't be afraid), saying it has come full circle.