Omar Abdullah seeks restoration of statehood

Sonamarg: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts in bridging the gap between “Dil (heart) and Delhi” and holding Assembly polls in the Union Territory while exuding confidence that the statehood restoration promise would soon be fulfilled.

Addressing a gathering after the prime minister inaugurated the 6.5-km Z-Morh tunnel renamed ‘Sonamarg Tunnel’ in the Ganderbal district, the chief minister began his speech by paying tributes to the seven people who died in a terrorist attack near the tunnel site on October 20 last year.

He said terrorism will be defeated to ensure peace and development besides safeguarding democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Prime minister, when you came to Srinagar for a programme after getting a third term (in office), people started believing your words. You talked about three important things which included your efforts to bridge ‘Dil ki duri aur Delhi se duri’, and you have proved it by your work.

“This is your second function in Jammu and Kashmir within 15 days after inaugurating (virtually from Delhi)

the separate Jammu Railway Division (on January 6),” Abdullah said.