Defending the budget while criticising the recent Indo-US trade deal, Omar made observations that drew sharp protests from BJP legislators, who rose from their seats in the J&K Assembly, raised slogans, and demanded an apology from the Chief Minister.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather repeatedly urged the protesting members to resume their seats and ruled that the disruption would not be entered into the official record. BJP members later termed the Chief Minister’s remarks as “unparliamentary”.
Speaking on the Indo-US trade deal, Omar said the agreement was detrimental to the interests of Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector. He warned that allowing duty-free import of American produce could have “devastating consequences” for local growers dependent on almonds, walnuts, saffron, apples, kiwis, and other crops.
“Those appreciating this trade deal should explain how it benefits Jammu and Kashmir,” Omar said. “Tree nuts, dry fruits, fresh fruits and dairy products will be imported duty-free. What else do we have here? If these items come from the US without duty, J&K will definitely suffer losses.”
The Chief Minister said that while other regions of the country might gain from the agreement, Jammu and Kashmir stood to lose. “As the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, I am speaking for my people. We will get no benefit from this Indo-US trade deal,” he added, pointing out that the agreement comes at a time when efforts were being made to strengthen the local horticulture industry.
Speaking to reporters outside the J&K Assembly, Omar said allowing duty-free imports of American produce would have devastating consequences for local growers dependent on crops such as Almonds, Saffron, Apples and Kiwis.
“You can see the text being circulated — tree nuts, dry fruits, fresh fruits, dairy. These are very important sectors for us. We do not have a marine industry or marine produce. We rely on dry fruits, almonds, saffron, apples, kiwis and similar crops,” the Chief Minister said.
“If all these products come duty-free from US, Jammu and Kashmir will definitely suffer. That is why people are angry. We have simply stated facts,” he added.
Omar said while the trade deal may benefit other regions, Jammu and Kashmir would only incur losses. “I cannot say who will benefit, but as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, I am speaking for my people. We will get no benefit from this Indo-US trade deal” he said.
Responding to BJP criticism of his remarks, the Chief Minister said there was no question of an apology. “BJP can apologise if it wants; I don’t care. It is their own fault. Maybe if they had let me speak, I would have withdrawn or clarified my words differently,” he said.
He also took aim at Opposition leaders, accusing them of “selective patriotism.” “Those who talk about the Constitution and Ambedkar could not even attend the Republic Day function. The Leader of Opposition, who lectures us on nationalism, left halfway through the event”. Omar said.