In PM’s presence, Omar Abdullah seeks statehood for J&K

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday used the flagging-off ceremony of the first train to the Valley from Katra to put forth the demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During his speech, Omar said, “You may call it fate or perhaps destiny, but I have always had the good fortune of being present at key milestones in J&K. In 2014, when you became the PM and came to Katra to inaugurate the railway station, four persons who are sitting on the stage today, were also present at that time."

He recalled that besides the PM, Union minister Jitendra Singh and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha who was then a Minister of State for Railways were also present. “I came here as the CM,” he said.

“Sinha got a promotion and became the L-G, while I was demoted, as I was a CM of a state at that time, but now I am a CM of a UT. But I believe that it will not take much time for this to be corrected and it will be you (PM) who will grant statehood to J&K,” Omar said.

Hailing Kashmir's rail link with the rest of the country as a “historic accomplishment,” he said the development would boost tourism and trade and bring comfort to the lives of people.

“The benefits to J&K will be substantial. Tourism will receive a major boost, and the daily lives of our residents will improve,” he said.

Omar highlighted the difficulties faced by people during inclement weather when the highway closures lead to exorbitant airfares. “During the closure of the highway, the airlines charge exorbitant fares from the people. With this railway line operational, that hardship will be alleviated to a great extent, offering affordable and reliable transportation,” he noted.

Speaking about the economic benefits, the CM emphasised the importance of better market access for the region’s horticultural produce.

“Our apples, cherries and other fruit will now find faster and more easy access to markets across the country and even globally. This will provide a significant economic benefit to our growers and traders,” he said.

Lauding the PM’s leadership, Omar said the successful completion of this critical infrastructure project stands as a testament to the Centre’s commitment to the development of J&K.

“Under PM Modi’s stewardship, yet another critical infrastructure project in J&K has been completed. We are also witnessing rapid progress on other vital initiatives — the Jammu Ring Road, the Srinagar Ring Road, the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, the four-laning of the Jammu-Srinagar highway and the expansion of both the Jammu and Srinagar airports and the railway network,” he said.

Paying tributes to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he credited him for being the first to recognise the rail network to Kashmir as a project of national importance.