Omar writes to PM, asks for probe into Gen Singh's allegations

Srinagar, Oct 7: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister

has requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to direct a probe into the allegations levelled by former Army Chief General V K Singh and the functioning of army's controversial Technical Services Division (TSD).

"I wish to draw your kind attention towards a news item that has appeared in the print media and also extensively debated on certain TV channels relating to alleged payments by some establishment of Army Authorities to a few politicians including Ministers in the J&K government.

"Apparently, this news has its origin from an internal inquiry conducted by the Army Authorities," Omar has said in his letter to the Prime Minister on September 25. Omar read excerpts of the letter in the state assembly during a discussion on the allegations levelled by former Army Chief General (retired) V K Singh about payoffs to politicians in Jammu and Kashmir.

The "main contents" of the letter were released to the media by the government. In the letter, Omar said the news had "spawned a great deal of anger" in the public in general and the political class in particular in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The charges, being of serious nature, need to be probed in order to arrive at the truth which can be shared with the general public. Without any specific details, the finger of suspicion is being pointed towards all mainstream politicians.

"This has caused enormous damage to the institutions of democracy in the state and allowed forces inimical to the democratic processes here to paint all mainstream politicians as paid operatives of the Army," he said.

Omar also requested the Prime Minister to direct the Defence ministry to share the contents of the internal inquiry with the state government.

"I would request you to ask the Ministry of Defence to share the contents of the above mentioned report with the state government and also disclose the names of the people to whom the money has allegedly been transferred," he said.

The Chief Minster said such a course of action will help clear the confusion and doubts from the minds of the people and "restore, to a significant extent, credibility of mainstream political parties/members amongst our people".

PTI