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.
In the presence of PM Modi, the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said, “You also promised (Assembly) elections within four months and you stayed true to your words. People got an opportunity to take part in the voting and today I am participating in this programme as chief minister.”
Referring to Modi’s speech during his visit to Srinagar on International Yoga Day last year, the chief minister said, “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.”
The chief minister’s statehood remark in the presence of the prime minister was welcomed by the audience with a round of applause. This was PM Modi’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after the formation of the Omar Abdullah-led government nearly three months ago. Abdullah said the inauguration of projects like the ‘Sonamarg Tunnel’ tunnel would definitely bridge the gap between Jammu and Kashmir’s “’dil’ (heart)” and Delhi.
He said the biggest positive of the election was that there was no complaint of rigging, misuse of official machinery or repoll anywhere and “the credit for it goes to you, your team and the Election Commission of India”.
