Srinagar, Jan 25:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday stressed that examinations and recruitment processes must be judged strictly on merit, warning against dragging politics, regional bias, or religious narratives into academic outcomes.

Addressing reporters in Gulmarg amid the controversy surrounding the Judicial Services Mains examination results, the Chief Minister said that candidates who qualify fairly deserve their success. He maintained that viewing such results through communal or regional lenses only weakens institutions meant to uphold fairness and transparency.
“Merit-based systems must be protected. Not every issue should be politicised or given a regional or religious angle,” Abdullah said, adding that merit remains the only acceptable benchmark in competitive examinations.
At the same time, he clarified that the government would act decisively if any wrongdoing comes to light. “If there is concrete proof of manipulation, fraud, or unfair practices, a proper investigation will be ordered. No one will be protected if irregularities are established,” he said.
The Chief Minister was in Gulmarg to review arrangements following recent snowfall, including snow clearance, power restoration, and preparations for the launch of a new ski lift. He acknowledged receiving public complaints related to electricity supply and road clearance, stating that the administration was actively addressing remaining gaps.
Calling the recent snowfall a positive development, Abdullah said the Valley had experienced a relatively dry January so far, and the fresh snow would boost tourism while also helping avert potential water shortages in the summer months. He added that further snowfall was likely on January 26 and 27.
On the power situation, he explained that heavy snowfall and strong winds had caused electricity generation to drop sharply from around 1,700 megawatts to nearly 100 megawatts. However, he said supply improved significantly by Saturday night, crossing 1,500 megawatts, and restoration work in severely affected areas was nearing completion.
The Chief Minister also expressed confidence that adequate snowfall this season would ensure the smooth conduct of the Khelo India Winter Games, which had faced multiple delays last year due to insufficient snow. Efforts were underway, he said, to make the ski lift operational within hours.
Reiterating his party’s long-standing position, Abdullah said the Jammu and Kashmir government never supported the division of the erstwhile state. He maintained that Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh should have remained united, holding the BJP and its allies responsible for the bifurcation.