Can’t act against Congress minister: Omar

JAMMU - Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Wednesday he cannot take action against Congress minister Sham Lal Sharma for calling for a trifurcation of the state.

I cannot take any action against the minister. As his party (Congress) has said nothing to him, how can I? In the given situation, I can only say that his remarks were his individual views, Omar told reporters here.

Sharma was seated besides Omar Abdullah at the press meet.

Sharma had sparked a row when he alleged gross discrimination against Jammu region and declared that let Kashmir be given azadi (independence), Ladakh be made a union territory and Jammu a separate state.

Sharma, the health minister in the National Conference-Congress coalition, made the remark at a public rally in Kathua district last month.

He was reportedly served a show cause notice by the Congress.