Omar Abdullah rebuffs BJP demand to set up National Law University in Jammu instead of Kashmir

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday rebuffed the fresh demand of the BJP to set up National Law University (NLU) in Jammu instead of Kashmir.

“Jammu got both an IIT and an IIM, where was the talk of equality then? There was no demand for regional balance at that time. Today, even before a decision on the National Law University is taken, cries of discrimination are being raised. No decision has been made yet. Let us decide first,” Mr. Abdullah said.

Mr. Abdullah’s remarks came in response to the BJP pitch to set the NLU in Jammu instead of Kashmir. “The NLU should open in Jammu and not in Kashmir. It is a national institute, and Jammu is a better place as it has better connectivity,” BJP leader and legislator R.S. Pathania said.

Last year, Mr. Abdullah, in a speech, had hinted that the NLU will function from Budgam’s Ompora area of the Kashmir valley.

The BJP demand is the latest in its campaign in Jammu after seeking cancellation of the MBBS selection list, which had 42 Muslims out of 50, at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Jammu’s Katra.