J-K CM Omar Abdullah (File photo)
SRINAGAR: Chief minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday tabled the Jammu and Kashmir Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill-2025 in the assembly, becoming the first non-BJP CM to introduce the legislation that seeks to amend certain enactments of the Union Territory of J&K for decriminalising a range of offences and rationalising sentences.Outside the assembly, Opposition PDP expressed strong displeasure over the introduction of the Bill, even though party members did not raise their voice earlier when the CM rose to table the bill in the House. “The INDIA bloc member (NC) has broken ranks,” PDP spokesman Najmu Saqib said.National Conference rejected the allegations strongly, with party spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar saying, “PDP is opposing a bill aimed at decriminalising minor crimes and reducing unnecessary jail time. Unfortunately, PDP is letting its political animosity toward the NC govt blind it to the greater common good.”CM Omar, who also holds the charge of law, justice and parliamentary affairs, also introduced another bill — J&K Eliminating Discrimination Against Persons Affected by Leprosy Bill-2026. It seeks to amend relevant enactments to eliminate discrimination against or denial of equal treatment to persons affected by leprosy, and to prevent their segregation and exclusion. BOX: Fresh migrant relief registration not needed after improved situation in Kashmir: OmarSanjay Khajuria | TNNJammu: J&K CM Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said fresh cases for registration under Kashmir migrant relief assistance are not being entertained at present in view of the improved law and order situation in the Valley.Replying to a question from NC member Mubarak Gul in the assembly, Omar saidc under the prevailing circumstances in the Kashmir, there is no justification for fresh registration of migrants at this stage. Answering a supplementary query, he said the proposal for enhancement of the existing migrant relief assistance, considering inflation and the rising cost of living, has been taken up with the Ministry of Home Affairs, which is the competent authority to take a final decision in the matter.Earlier, the CM stated that the comprehensive PM Return and Rehabilitation Package for Kashmiri Migrants was announced in 2009 with a financial outlay of Rs 1,618.40 crore. The scheme provides a holistic framework to restore livelihood, housing, education and financial security of the migrant community, he added.
