Srinagar, April 1 (UNI) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that the Union Minister’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir was scheduled prior to the Kathua encounter, downplaying any connection between the two events.

“It is merely a coincidence that Amit Shah is visiting Jammu and Kashmir around the Kathua encounter. His visit is not solely focused on security. While security will be reviewed, the focus will also be on development projects in Srinagar, and some key initiatives will be inaugurated,” Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar

Abdullah dismissed speculations linking Shah’s visit to the recent encounter, reiterating that the Union Minister’s program was planned well in advance.

Last week four police men were killed and several others were injured in Kathua encounter that also left two suspected Pakistani militants dead.

Regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the Waqf bill in Parliament, Abdullah strongly criticized the legislation, calling it discriminatory.

“It seems that the bill targets only one religion, which is unfair. We cannot support it, and Members of Parliament will oppose it,” he asserted.

UNI MJR SJC