Statehood Centre’s promise, not charity: CM

Ganderbal, Sep 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that the restoration of statehood was the Centre’s promise, not charity, and emphasised that the Ladakh experience should serve as a lesson, ensuring that the same mistakes are not repeated in Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to reporters in his assembly constituency, Ganderbal, CM Omar said that statehood was a “fundamental right” that should have followed after the delimitation and assembly elections.

“Statehood is a promise, not just to the people but also to the Supreme Court. They repeatedly said: first delimitation, then elections, and subsequently, statehood. Two steps are done, and now the third must be fulfilled,” he said.

The chief minister said that statehood restoration was not a favour but a promise made by the Centre to the people of J&K, but also to the Supreme Court.

Describing the demand as “just and lawful”, he said that they would pursue the issue through “peaceful means”.

CM Omar said that the restoration of statehood was a crucial measure to maintain stability and cautioned against allowing the situation to deteriorate.

“The situation here can change in a jiffy, but we do not want it to reach the level we are witnessing in Ladakh. We do not want innocent people to suffer here,” he said.

The chief minister said that people of J&K were exercising patience, but that should not be taken for granted.

He said that his party had warned the people of Ladakh that their demand for a Union Territory status could have unintended consequences.

“We always told the people of Ladakh that what they were demanding might prove costly to them. Sadly, their lives have not improved under the new arrangement,” CM Omar said.

Reflecting on the political and administrative challenges following the 2019 changes, he said that his government was determined to deliver despite all these limitations.

“We will not make excuses, nor will we stop working. We will provide roads, jobs, education, health, electricity, drinking water, and playfields to our people,” the CM said, assuring that no part of Ganderbal district would be left behind.

He vowed to work “day and night” to ensure that Ganderbal continues on a steady path of growth and development, echoing the legacy of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah.

CM Omar also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for more than a dozen development projects worth Rs 36.50 crore during an extensive tour of Ganderbal district, reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure in sports, power sectors, and improving road connectivity in the district.

At Beehama, he inaugurated six major sports infrastructure projects, including the upgradation of Beehama Stadium, Madr-e-Meherban Stadium, and playfields at Gund Rehman, Manigam, Wakura, and Batwina.

These projects mark a significant investment in nurturing local sports talent and promoting a healthy sporting ecosystem across the district.

Unveiling new sports equipment for youth, the CM also witnessed impressive performances in Judo, Thang-Ta, and Yoga, showcasing Ganderbal’s vibrant sporting spirit.

At Saloora, he inaugurated and dedicated a 33/11 KV, 1x6 MVA receiving station to the people.

Later, the CM inaugurated the Pre-Fab Indoor Badminton Hall at the Government College of Physical Education (GCOPE), Gadoora, and even participated in a friendly badminton match.

In the same complex, he inaugurated a 400-meter Synthetic Athletic Track and a Synthetic Football Turf, flagging off a 100-meter sprint of girls before himself taking part in a 100-meter sprint, amidst applause from the gathering.

CM Omar also laid the foundation stone for four crucial road connectivity projects, including the upgradation of Shajinga Link Road and Khatijinag Road; construction and upgradation of the Dar Mohallah–Watalbagh–Dangerpora road; construction of the Pati Waskura-Kharbagh road; and construction of the Tehsil Bagh-Lar Bye Pass-Yanihama-Dangerpora road.

During his tour, he was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Principal Secretary PDD Rajesh H Prasad, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, Director General Youth Services and Sports Anuradha Gupta, Managing Director KPDCL, Chief Engineers of PDD and PW(R&B), Secretary J&K Sports Council, and other senior officers.

Addressing a large gathering at Government College of Physical Education, CM Omar described the day’s inaugurations and laying of foundation stone of multiple works, “the beginning of a new era of development in Ganderbal.”

He said that these projects were not a favour to the people but an expression of gratitude for their trust and support. The CM announced that every block in Ganderbal would be equipped with a modern cricket and football ground, as well as a library and reading room with internet facilities, so that both sports enthusiasts and students preparing for competitive exams are equally supported.

He asked the Youth Services and Sports Department to allow local residents access to the athletic track and football turf at GCOPE during non-academic hours, ensuring wider community participation.

Highlighting the newly inaugurated Saloora Grid Station, CM Omar said it would significantly strengthen the power distribution system in the district. He assured that funds had been allocated for upgrading facilities at the Ganderbal District Hospital, along with the recruitment of additional doctors to address manpower shortages.