Omar condemns school-burning, hits out at government, separatists

October 30, 2016 18:49

Opposition National Conference's working president Omar Abdullah on Sunday expressed disappointment and grief over incidents of schools being burnt in various parts of Kashmir saying this was an "abhorrent ploy to destroy the future of the children" and blamed the state government as well as separatists for the situation.

"Our schools hold the key to the self-reliance, dignity and empowerment of our future generation. An assault on our schools is an assault on our children, their future and their dreams.

"These are clear, unambiguous attempts to rob our children of education and intellectual growth and there can be no doubt that these elements who attack our schools are the enemies of our children and the enemies of enlightenment," Omar said in a statement.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said the administration is responsible for protecting the education infrastructure in the state and it should take the "sternest possible action" against those found guilty of such incidents of arson.

Omar also hit out at the separatist Hurriyat Conference saying its leadership should realise the "cost of its reluctance and delay" to condemn such behaviour unequivocally.

He blamed both the administration and the Hurriyat leadership for "failing to speak up and act in time" to prevent such incidents.

On Sunday, two schools, including a Jawahar Navodya Vidyalaya, were damaged in mysterious fire incidents in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, police said.

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