Amid allegations of interference in hydroelectric power projects in Jammu region by a BJP MLA, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said any such interference must be taken seriously as these projects are of national importance.

“There should be no interference. And this should be looked at very seriously,” he told reporters here, asserting that institutions which earlier functioned under the elected government must be restored to it.

Referring to his portfolio, Omar said he also holds the charge of the Power Ministry but the J&K Power Development Corporation has not yet been handed back to the elected government.

“You and I both know that if this accusation had been made against any of my ministers, the ACB (anti corruption bureau) would have carried out raids,” he said.

A major controversy erupted when a senior officer associated with the construction of the 850-MW Ratle Hydroelectric Power Project in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district accused a local BJP MLA of interfering in the works. He even warned that continued disruptions could force the company to pull out of the project.

The project—billed as one of the largest hydroelectric ventures in Jammu and Kashmir—was laid in 2013 by then prime minister Manmohan Singh. The Rs 3,700-crore project on the Chenab river is a joint venture between Centre-owned NHPC Ltd and the JKPDC.

Omar emphasised that hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir are not meant solely for the union territory but serve the entire country.

He alleged that interference in development projects in Kishtwar was not limited to one individual. “We have talked about one honourable MLA, but in Kishtwar, in every project, the two honourable MLAs of the opposition are interfering somewhere,” he said.

Calling for accountability, Omar said investigating agencies must act without bias. “Our agencies should do their job,” he added.

Omar Abdullah, who is part of INDIA alliance, also distanced himself from the Congress parties “vote chori” rally which was held on Sunday in Delhi.

“INDIA alliance has nothing to do with this (rally). Every political party has the freedom to set their political agenda according to their own,” Omar said.

He said the Congress has chosen to make SIR and alleged vote theft its primary political issue. “Congress has made SIR and vote theft its main political issue. Who are we to tell them not to do it?” he said. “We will choose our own issues and they will choose theirs.”

On National Investigation Agency filing the charge sheet in Pahalgam terror attack, the chief minister said the judiciary would determine the guilt.

“They (NIA) have done the investigation .…I have always said that leave the decision to the court. This is not my job or anyone else's job,” he said.

Referring to cases where government employees have been dismissed from service by J&K Lt Gov, Omar said the same principle applies.

“When employees are fired from their jobs, I have always said that leave it to the court. Who is the culprit? Who is innocent? There is a law for this. There is a court for this,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the role of investigative agencies ends with the completion of the probe. “The NIA’s job was to investigate. The investigation has been done. Now the charge sheet will be presented, and the court will decide,” he added.