Farooq supports AIIMS in Jammu, says all-party delegation should meet PM

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday proposed an all-party delegation from Jammu and Kashmir to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi for breaking the impasse on the establishment of an additional and full-fledged All India Institute of Medical Sciences for Jammu.

“Both divisions need AIIMS. There shouldn't be any hitch for the Centre to take an immediate decision on this issue,” said Farooq Abdullah. He was addressing the AIIMS Coordination Committee (ACC) supporters on Monday afternoon after his arrival from Srinagar on a three-day visit to the Jammu Province.

He said AIIMS for both the divisions is not a favour but a requirement in view of the inadequate health infrastructure in the state.
Farooq Abdullah was accompanied by NC provincial president Devender Singh Rana and state vice-president Surjeet Singh Slathia.
“We will meet the PM and present a strong case for the consideration of Parliamentarians, so that further delay is not made on this important issue,” said Abdullah.

The former chief minister expressed anguish over ‘inept handling’ of the issue by the PDP-BJP coalition government, saying the finer sensitivities involved in the matter have not been taken into consideration. He said Jammu and Kashmir has peculiar problems and need special dispensation.

He hoped that the commitment made to the people of Jammu will be kept and an additional AIIMS should be announced without further delay.

“The National Conference has a very clear stand on the issue,” he said, adding “while we welcome the announcement of AIIMS for Kashmir, we strongly plead for similar facility in Jammu.” He declared that his party would fight for this cause.