Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reaffirmed that the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is a fundamental right of its people and urged New Delhi not to test their patience any longer.
Talking to reporters in Ganderbal, Omar cautioned against letting the situation slide into turmoil similar to the unrest that has gripped Ladakh.
“The situation here can change in a jiffy, but we do not want it to reach the level we are witnessing in Ladakh. Statehood is our right. The people of Ladakh had demanded Union Territory status, yet it did not improve their lives. We do not want innocents to suffer here,” Omar said, stressing that his party would continue to pursue the issue peacefully.
“Statehood is not a favour. It is a promise made by the Government of India with not only people of Jammu and Kashmir but also the Supreme Court,” he said..
“The processes of delimitation and elections are complete. What lies ahead is the restoration of statehood. People have shown remarkable patience so far, but now it is time for the promise to be fulfilled,” he said.
“People have been very patient so far about restoration of statehood but it should not be taken advantage of,” Omar said.
Reflecting on Ladakh’s experience, Omar said his party had warned that the demand for Union Territory status could have unintended consequences.
“We always told the people of Ladakh that what they were demanding might prove costly to them. Sadly, their lives have not improved under the new arrangement,” he said.
The CM today inaugurated and laid foundation stone for more than a dozen development projects worth ₹36.50 crore during an extensive tour of Ganderbal district, reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure in sports, power sectors and improving road connectivity in the district.
At Beehama, the Chief Minister inaugurated six major sports infrastructure projects including the upgradation of Beehama Stadium, Madr-e-Meherban Stadium, and playfields at Gund Rehman, Manigam, Wakura, and Batwina. These projects mark a significant investment in nurturing local sports talent and promoting a healthy sporting ecosystem across the district.
Unveiling new sports equipment for youth, the Chief Minister also witnessed impressive performances in Judo, Thang-Ta, and Yoga, showcasing Ganderbal’s vibrant sporting spirit.
At Saloora, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated and dedicated a 33/11 KV, 1x6 MVA receiving station to the public.
Later, he inaugurated the Pre-Fab Indoor Badminton Hall at the Government College of Physical Education (GCOPE), Gadoora, and even participated in a friendly badminton match.
In the same complex, the Chief Minister inaugurated a 400-meter Synthetic Athletic Track and a Synthetic Football Turf, flagging off a 100-meter sprint of girls before himself taking part in a 100-meter sprint, amidst applause from the gathering.
The CM also laid foundation stone for four crucial road connectivity projects, including the upgradation of Shajinga Link Road and Khatijinag Road; construction and upgradation of the Dar Mohallah–Watalbagh–Dangerpora road; construction of the Pati Waskura–Kharbagh road; and construction of the Tehsil Bagh–Lar Bye Pass–Yanihama–Dangerpora road.
During his tour, Omar was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Principal Secretary PDD Rajesh H Prasad, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, Director General YS&S Anuradha Gupta, Managing Director KPDCL, Chief Engineers of PDD and PW(R&B), Secretary J&K Sports Council, and other senior officers.
Addressing a large gathering at Government College of Physical Education, Omar described the day’s inaugurations and laying of foundation stone of multiple works “the beginning of a new era of development in Ganderbal.”
He said that these projects were not a favour to the people but an expression of gratitude for their trust and support.
The CM announced that every block in Ganderbal will be equipped with a modern cricket and football ground, as well as a library and reading room with internet facilities, so that both sports enthusiasts and students preparing for competitive exams are equally supported. He asked Youth Services & Sports Department to allow local residents access to the athletic track and football turf at GCOPE during non-academic hours, ensuring wider community participation.
Highlighting the newly inaugurated Saloora Grid Station, Omar, who represents Ganderbal constituency, said it would significantly strengthen the power distribution system in the district. He further assured that funds had been allocated for upgrading facilities at the Ganderbal District Hospital, along with recruitment of additional doctors to address manpower shortages.
He also reflected on the political and administrative challenges following the 2019 changes, but asserted that his government is determined to deliver despite all these limitations. “We will not make excuses, nor will we stop working. We will provide roads, jobs, education, health, electricity, drinking water, and playfields to our people,” he said, assuring that no part of Ganderbal district will be left behind.