Omar Abdullah to move out of government residence

NIRMAL YESODA

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has decided to vacate the government residence in which he has been staying since 2002. In a recent tweet, Omar Abdullah revealed that he has taken the decision to vacate the government house at Gupkar road, as the rules of entitlement have changed in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir.

It was on last August that the state of Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two UT’s; Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh. Apart from the formation of UTs, the central government also revoked the special status enjoyed by the state.

The former chief minister revealed that he is voluntarily vacating the government residence, and made it clear that the hunt for a new house has already begun.

“My letter to the J&K administration. I will be vacating my government accommodation in Srinagar before the end of October. The point to note is that contrary to stories planted in the media last year, I received no notice to vacate and have chosen to do so of my own accord,” wrote Omar.

Omar revealed that his house-hunting efforts are getting badly affected due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“The process is taking longer because of constraints caused by COVID -19. I intend to complete the process in 8-10 weeks and should be in a position to handover Gupkar road accommodation accordingly,” Omar said.

 

It should be noted that Gupkar is considered one of the safest places in the city, as there is 24/7 security surveillance in this area. Followers of Abdullah are now eagerly waiting to know where their leader will reside after vacating the government house.