“Salute Those Who Lost Their Lives In Gagangeer Attack On Oct 20, 2024”
“PM Spoke About Bridging The Gap Between ‘Dil Ki Duri Aur Delhi Se Duri,’ You Demonstrated This Through Your Actions, Defeat Militancy For Peace, Dev, Democracy”
“You Promised Elections Within 4months, You Have Kept Your Word. People Had The Opportunity To Vote, And Today, I Stand Here As J&K CM”
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts in bridging the gap between “Dil (heart) and Delhi” and for holding assembly elections in the Union Territory. He expressed confidence that the promise of restoring statehood would soon be fulfilled.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 6.5-km Z-Morh Tunnel, now renamed ‘Sonamarg Tunnel,’ in Ganderbal district, Abdullah began by militancy would be defeated to ensure peace, development, and the protection of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. “Prime Minister, when you visited Srinagar after your third term in office, people began to believe in your words. You spoke about bridging the gap between ‘Dil ki duri aur Delhi se duri,’ and you have demonstrated this through your actions,” Abdullah said.
Highlighting that this was Modi’s second visit to Jammu and Kashmir within 15 days—following the virtual inauguration of the Jammu Railway Division on January 6—Abdullah emphasized the significance of Modi’s promise to hold assembly elections. “You promised elections within four months, and you have kept your word. People had the opportunity to vote, and today, I stand here as Chief Minister,” he remarked. Referring to Modi’s speech during his visit to Srinagar on International Yoga Day, Abdullah said, “My heart tells me that you will soon fulfill your third promise—the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.” The audience responded with applause to Abdullah’s comments on statehood. This visit marked Modi’s first trip to Jammu and Kashmir since the formation of the Omar Abdullah-led government nearly three months ago. Abdullah noted that the inauguration of the ‘Sonamarg Tunnel’ would play a key role in bridging the gap between Jammu and Kashmir’s “Dil” and Delhi.
The Chief Minister also praised the electoral process, stating that there were no complaints of rigging or misuse of official machinery. “The credit for this goes to you, your team, and the Election Commission of India,” he added. When asked about statehood restoration, Abdullah assured his colleagues and the people that the Prime Minister would soon fulfill his promise. “The Prime Minister kept his word on elections, and my heart tells me that very soon, Jammu and Kashmir will regain its statehood,” he said. Paying tribute to the seven victims of last year’s militant attack, Abdullah called them martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation. “I come from a political lineage where thousands of our leaders and workers have been martyred over the last 35 years because we have always stood against the division of this country,” he remarked. He further stated that the prime minister’s presence at the tunnel inauguration was a clear message that those responsible for the attack do not want the region’s development or peace. “They want to disrupt democracy, but they will never succeed. We will ensure they face defeat, and democracy will prevail,” he added. Abdullah acknowledged the challenges in building the tunnel, noting that work had been halted at times. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have long awaited this tunnel. It will not only improve connectivity but also help develop Sonamarg as a major tourist destination. Moreover, it will expedite the construction of the Zojila Tunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh,” he said. In closing, Abdullah thanked Prime Minister Modi for visiting Kashmir in the harsh winter and expressed hope that he would return frequently to join in the region’s progress. The two-lane, bi-directional tunnel, which cost over ?2,700 crore, connects Gagangir and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district. At an altitude of over 8,650 feet, it will ensure year-round connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, bypassing landslide-prone areas, and will enhance the accessibility of the under-construction Zojila Tunnel, which will improve connectivity to Leh.
