CM Omar Abdullah Raises Jammu-Kashmir Statehood With PM Modi: 'My Heart Says Very Soon...'
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah commended PM Narendra Modi for holding assembly elections in the Union Territory. He expressed confidence that the promise of restoring statehood would be fulfilled soon.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts in bridging the gap between "Dil (heart)" and Delhi and for holding assembly elections in the Union Territory. Abdullah expressed confidence that the promise of restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood would soon be fulfilled.
Addressing a gathering after Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the 6.5-km-long Z-Morh Tunnel, renamed the 'Sonamarg Tunnel', in the Ganderbal district, Abdullah began his speech by paying tributes to the seven individuals who lost their lives in a terrorist attack near the tunnel site on 20 October last year.
"Terrorism will be defeated to ensure peace, development, and democracy in Jammu and Kashmir," Abdullah asserted, as quoted by news agency PTI.
He lauded Modi's consistent engagement with the region, stating, "Prime Minister, when you came to Srinagar for a programme after getting a third term, people started believing your words. You talked about three important things, including your efforts to bridge 'Dil ki duri aur Delhi se duri', and you have proved it by your work."
Referring to Modi's speech during International Yoga Day last year, Abdullah added, "My heart says that very soon, you will fulfil your third promise to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, which is the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory." His remarks were met with applause from the audience.
#WATCH | Sonamarg: Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah says, "Elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir and the biggest thing was that there was no complaint of any irregularities anywhere, no complaint of misuse of power. The credit for this goes to you (PM Modi), your colleagues… pic.twitter.com/vRcSK11Ae5
— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025
'No Complaints Of Rigging Or Misuse In Elections': Jammu-Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah
Abdullah highlighted the smooth conduct of the elections, stating, "The biggest positive of the election was that there was no complaint of rigging, misuse of official machinery or repoll anywhere. The credit for it goes to you, your team, and the Election Commission of India."
The Chief Minister expressed optimism about statehood restoration, saying, "People, including my colleagues, ask me about statehood restoration. I tell them that the prime minister kept his promise of elections, and so my heart says that very soon, you will fulfil your third promise as well, and Jammu and Kashmir will once again get the status of a state."
Paying homage to the victims of last year's terror attack near the tunnel site, Abdullah read out their names and described them as having sacrificed their lives for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and the country. He stated, "The prime minister's presence at the tunnel inauguration is a testament to the fact that those who carried out the attack do not want the development of this region and the country. But they will always face defeat, and we will never allow them to harm democracy."
ALSO READ | PM Modi Inaugurates Z-Morh Tunnel For All-Year Access To J&K's Sonamarg
Jammu-Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah On Sonamarg Tunnel Inauguration
The newly inaugurated two-lane bi-directional road tunnel connects Gagangir and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district, providing all-weather connectivity at an altitude of over 8,650 feet. Built at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore, it is equipped with a parallel 7.5-metre-wide escape passage for emergencies.
Abdullah emphasised the tunnel's importance for tourism and regional development, stating, "The people of Jammu and Kashmir have been waiting for this tunnel for a very long time. We will be able to develop Sonamarg as a tourist destination, and this tunnel will facilitate speedy work on the under-construction Zojila tunnel, providing all-weather connectivity to Ladakh."
The Chief Minister concluded by thanking the prime minister for visiting Kashmir in the cold weather, expressing hope for more visits.
This visit marks Prime Minister Modi's first trip to Jammu and Kashmir after the formation of Omar Abdullah's government nearly three months ago and comes just 15 days after the virtual inauguration of the Jammu Railway Division. Abdullah remarked, "We hope that you will come again and again, and join in our happiness."
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