"Who is responsible for terror attacks in Jammu?" asks Omar Abdullah

Budgam (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], September 17 (ANI): Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asked the Centre on Tuesday who was responsible for an "increase" in terror attacks in Jammu.

His comments came as the first phase of the three-phase elections in Jammu and Kashmir are set to start on September 18.

He also expressed hope about the return of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Nothing is impossible. If it were impossible, the Supreme Court would not have given the verdict in favour of Article 370 thrice...If today a five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court has announced a verdict against Article 370, then isn't it possible that tomorrow a seven-judge constitution bench will give a verdict in favour of Article 370...," Omar told reporters in Budgam on Tuesday.

Omar Abdullah, who is contesting from Budgam and Ganderbal assembly seats, held the Bharatiya Janata Party responsible for terror attacks in Jammu. "First, Amit Shah sahab, please tell me, Who is responsible for a rise in terrorism in Jammu?"

Stating that the National Conference and Congress have been out of power for ten years in Jammu and Kashmir, Omar said there has been direct Centre's rule here for six years.

Omar said, "If you are witnessing terror attacks in Jammu, if Yatris are targeted in Reasi, if forces are attacked, if officers (army soldiers) and our brave soldiers are killed. Who is responsible?"

He was responding to the Centre's assertion that Article 370 will never return to Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking at a rally in Kishtwar on September 16, Home Minister Amit Shah said, "NC and Congress say that they will reinstate Article 370 if their government is formed. Should Article 370 be back?... The reservation which the Pahadis and Gurjar brothers get, would not be possible if Article 370 is restored... But I have been observing the environment in Kashmir, neither Farooq Abdullah nor Rahul Gandhi is forming the government here. Article 370 is now a part of the history. There is no place for Article 370 in the Constitution of India. There can never be two prime ministers, two constitutions and two flags in Kashmir. There will only be one flag and that is our Tricolour," he said.

Assembly polls are being held in Jammu and Kashmir in three phases. The first phase of voting will be held on September 18, the second on September 25 and the third on October 1.

The counting of votes will take place on October 8. (ANI)