*Welcomes reopening of 14 tourist destinations, says regularisation to be addressed through policy, urges people to avoid street protests*
Srinagar, Feb 17 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that complete satisfaction among the people of Jammu and Kashmir would only come with the restoration of statehood, asserting that sustained dialogue with the Centre was ongoing and expressing hope for a positive outcome soon. He also welcomed the reopening of 14 tourist destinations and criticised the BJP over alleged land and fund mismanagement.
Speaking to reporters at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), CM Omar stressed that while the process has taken longer than expected, persistent dialogue with the central government continues and hopes remain high for a positive resolution.
“It is a good thing that 14 destinations have reopened. There is no point in keeping them closed,” Omar said, as per media . Referring to areas like Yousmarg and Dodhpathri he said, “people living there suffered losses due to the closure of tourism. Now, our season is starting and I hope everyone will take advantage of the beauty of these places.”
“The process is ongoing, but it has taken longer than expected. We had hoped by now to receive some good news. We haven’t, but we have not lost hope. Continuous dialogue is underway with the central government. It has been 1.5 years, and hopefully, we won’t have to wait much longer for a positive update,” he said.
CM also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), highlighting discrepancies between their statements and actions.
He referred to a pending 2021 case of government land occupation and pointed out that more than 90% of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) meant for Jammu and Kashmir is being spent elsewhere, like Uttar Pradesh.
The CM also spoke about a looming 34% electricity deficit, assuring residents that efforts would be made to minimize disruptions during city planning and ongoing preparations, especially in the holy month.
He noted said inherited deficits would be addressed over time through new projects.
CM Omar Abdullah also said that a time-bound policy for regularization would be implemented. He, however, urged people to refrain from street protests, warning that unrest could negatively affect their future.
