Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday proposed that an all-party delegation meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the ongoing agitation demanding an AIIMS in Jammu.
Addressing supporters of the AIIMS coordination committee, who are demanding the establishment of an additional and full-fledged All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for Jammu, the National Conference patron said both regions -- Jammu and the Kashmir Valley -- need such an institute.
"There should be no hitch for the Centre to take an immediate decision with regard to providing the facility for Jammu, after having announced it for Kashmir," Abdullah said.
AIIMS for both regions was "not a favour but a requirement" in view of inadequate health infrastructure, he said.
Abdullah, who is on a three-day visit to Jammu, said: "We will meet the prime minister and make out a strong case for the consideration of parliamentarians so that further delay is not made on this important issue."
The former chief minister said the issue was not being handled properly by the BJP-PDP coalition government, and "the finer sensitivities involved in the matter have not been taken into consideration".
He said Jammu and Kashmir has "peculiar" problems and these need special dispensation, and hoped that the commitment made to the people of Jammu will be kept.
"The National Conference has a very clear stand on the issue. While we welcome the announcement of AIIMS for Kashmir, we strongly plead for a similar facility in Jammu," he said.
Meanwhile, the shutdown called by the AIIMS coordination committee entered the fourth day on Monday.
Minor clashes took place at a few places between police and the protesters. Shops, public transport, businesses and educational institutions remained closed in the city.
