Opposition in J-K seeks 'official order' on AIIMS from Centre

Lashing out at state and Central governments for "misleading" Jammu people on grant of autonomous AIIMS, Opposition in J&K today sought an official government order which states that a separate institute would be set up.
They said that bandh and agitation will continue until Jammu does not get a separate AIIMS.
"Our support to agitation for AIIMS will continue till the demand is not fulfilled. If a separate and Independent AIIMS has been announced for Jammu, we want an official government order in this regard", J&K Congress spokesman Ravinder Sharma said.
Yesterday, in an apparent damage-control exercise, state health minister Lal Singh has said that a decision has been taken to have "AIIMS set-up in both the regions" with the same level of facilities. However, he parried queries as to whether the two institutions will function independently.

Lashing at the State health Minister for misleading the people of Jammu by confusing them over a establishment of separate AIIMS, Sharma said "what is problem for him and the government over two separate AIIMS for Kashmir and Jammu regions instead of AIIMS type facilities".
J&K National Panthers Party (JKNPP) Chairman Haresh Dev Singh said that neither central government nor the state health minister have announced two separate AIIMS for Kashmir and Jammu regions on the pattern of Central Universities for two regions.

"We want that government should come out with official orders on separate AIIMS being set up in Jammu. The agitation will continue until they do not come out with the official order in this regard", Singh said.

Seeking clarification over the issue, CPIM said the government is creating wedge between the people of Jammu and Kashmir regions in the name of AIIMS.
"The AIIMS is necessity for both the regions of the state to provide latest medical facilities to the people," said Prasad Kesar, CPIM regional secretary.
He said the party hails the AIIMS for Kashmir region and supports the demand of an independent AIIMS for Jammu. Kesar further condemns the firing of tear gas shells on the peaceful demonstrators by the state police.