Srinagar:
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke exclusively with NDTV about his government's response to the devastating floods in his state. Here are the excerpts
On allegations of no sign of state government
- All infrastructure of the state government was under water
- There were no cellphones, no connectivity
- "My state govt couldn't respond in first 24 hours as we didn't have a government"
- Was not able to reach several ministers.
- "Many of my ministers I've only been able to meet after six days."
- Today, I am meeting ministers after 6 days because they were swept away by floods
- I am now starting to track down ministers and officers
- No other example where govt machinery was so devastated by a natural disaster
- Very commendable job done by armed forces under very tough circumstances
- I am not going to get into a credit battle
- My only focus is to ensure relief material reaches people.
- We have to reschedule exams so that children don't lose a year.
- We will give six months ration to people
- Need to reassure people that their money is safe in banks
- In the long-term, we will ensure that children's careers, businesses and lives go foward
- "We have re-oriented rescue operations since many people don't want to leave their homes."
- "Usual elements fishing in troubled waters, stone pelting and attacks being provoked"
- "If people want to blame my govt so be it, won't be dragged into that debate."