Jammu, March 28
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that the Centre has assured an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for national unity in the face of emerging global challenges.
He said adequate stocks of essential items, including fuel and LPG, are available in the Union Territory, urging people to remain calm and not to pay heed to rumours.
“Prime Minister convened an important meeting yesterday (Friday) which was attended by chief ministers across the country except five states where the elections are taking place.
“During the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary made a detailed presentation on the prevailing situation, with a focus on global developments, particularly tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and West Asia, and their potential impact,” the chief minister told reporters here.
Abdullah said the chief ministers were informed that special emphasis is being laid on maintaining an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, especially fuel. “The Government of India has assured that there is no shortage of any essential items,” he added.
Appealing to the public for calm, the chief minister said misinformation had led to long queues at petrol pumps and panic buying of LPG cylinders in Jammu and Kashmir recently.
“People should not pay attention to rumours,” he said, adding his government is continuously monitoring the supply situation on a daily basis.
“At present, there is no shortage of LPG cylinders, diesel, petrol or kerosene. The Government of India has assured an uninterrupted supply,” he said.
He said after the onset of tensions in West Asia, restrictions were initially imposed on commercial LPG cylinders, with distribution capped at 20 per cent, which has now been increased to 70 per cent, while there were no restrictions on the use of domestic cylinders.
Referring to the prime minister’s message, Abdullah said the country had earlier come together during the COVID-19 pandemic as “Team India” and would similarly remain united to face any emerging challenges.
