NC Govt committed to restoration of statehood: Satish Sharma

Sopore, Nov 9: Reaffirming the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference’s long-standing demand for the restoration of statehood, Sports Minister Satish Sharma on Sunday said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s leadership remains committed to fighting with all democratic and political forces in the Union Territory to regain the state’s constitutional status.

During his visit to Sopore, Sharma addressed media on sideline of a function, highlighting the NC government’s ongoing efforts to ensure development, peace, and dignity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is a development-oriented and positive leader who has always worked for the empowerment of common people,” Sharma said, acknowledging that “no administration is perfect, but the intent and effort of this government are clear and people-focused.”

In a significant announcement aimed at women’s welfare, the Minister declared that a free bus service for women in Sopore will be introduced soon, likely to operate on routes from Sopore to Srinagar and Sopore to Baramulla, ensuring safer and more accessible public transport for female commuters.

Highlighting recent achievements in the field of sports, Sharma noted that the Union Territory recently hosted its first-ever water sports event, expanded skiing competitions to Sonamarg, and successfully launched a downhill mountain biking series, all part of the government’s push to promote adventure and youth sports. He further added that more international sporting events are on the horizon to place Jammu and Kashmir on the global sporting map.

On the economic front, Sharma said that the government is actively working on establishing new industries to create employment opportunities and strengthen the region’s economic base. “Our goal is to empower youth through both sports and sustainable livelihood opportunities,” he added.