Confident PM will restore statehood: Omar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday expressed confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will fulfill his promise of restoring statehood to J&K. Speaking at the inauguration of the 6.5-km-long Z-Morh Tunnel, renamed the ‘Sonamarg Tunnel,’ in Ganderbal district, Omar praised the Prime Minister for his efforts to reduce both Dil ki Doori (differences of hearts) and Dilli ki Doori (distance from Delhi).

“Prime Minister, when you visited Srinagar for a programme after winning a third term in office, people began to believe in your words. You spoke about three key issues, including your commitment to bridging Dil ki Doori and Dilli ki Doori, and you have proven it through your actions,” Abdullah said in his address.

He added, “This is your second programme in Jammu and Kashmir within 15 days, following your virtual inauguration of the separate Jammu Railway Division on January 6.”

In the presence of the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister acknowledged Modi’s promise of holding Assembly elections within four months. “You stayed true to your word. People were given the opportunity to vote, and today, I stand here as the Chief Minister. My heart tells me that very soon, you will fulfill your third promise to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, which is the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory,” Abdullah said.

Referring to Modi’s speech during his visit to Srinagar on International Yoga Day last year, Abdullah stated, “People often ask me about the restoration of statehood. I tell them that the Prime Minister kept his promise of elections, and my heart says he will soon fulfill this promise too, returning Jammu and Kashmir to its former status as a state.”

The Chief Minister also commended the conduct of the elections, noting that there were no complaints of rigging, misuse of official machinery, or demands for repolling. “The credit for this goes to you, your team, and the Election Commission of India,” he said.

Abdullah paid tribute to the seven people who lost their lives in a terrorist attack near the tunnel site on October 20 last year. He read out their names, acknowledging their sacrifice for the project and the development of Jammu and Kashmir.

He emphasised that the Prime Minister’s presence at the tunnel inauguration underscored the importance of defeating forces opposed to the region’s development and democracy. “Those who carried out the attack do not want peace, development or democracy in this region. But they will never succeed. They will always face defeat, and we will ensure that democracy prevails,” he asserted.

“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have been waiting for this tunnel for a very long time. It will develop Sonamarg as a tourist destination,” Omar added.