Will keep my promise with people of J&K: PM Modi

Sonamarg, Jan 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday reiterated his commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, hinting at fulfilling promises, including the restoration of statehood, a demand strongly voiced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during a public meeting here.

Modi was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the strategically significant 6.5-km tunnel connecting Kashmir with Sonamarg, built at Rs 2700 crore.

Earlier, CM Omar, in his address, urged the PM to deliver on his promise of restoring statehood to J&K.

Referring to PM Modi’s pre-assembly election assurance from September last year, CM Omar said, “My heart believes that you will fulfil this promise soon.”

In an indirect response, PM Modi said, “You have to believe that this is Modi and he keeps his promises. There is a right time for everything, and the right things will happen at the right time.”

CM’s Appeal for Statehood

CM Omar welcomed PM Modi and recalled his speech on International Yoga Day, where the PM had emphasised reducing ‘Dil ki Duri’ (distance between hearts) and ‘Dilli se Duri’ (distance between J&K and Delhi).

“You gave three important points in your programme and said you are working to eliminate these distances. With today’s project, not only is the distance of the heart reduced, but the physical distance from Delhi is also being shortened,” he said, thanking the PM for inaugurating two critical projects in J&K within 15 days.

“People often ask me when J&K’s statehood will be restored. My heart tells me that very soon, Prime Minister, you will fulfil your third promise, and J&K will once again regain its status as a state,” the CM said.

PM Modi’s Vision for J&K

Describing J&K as the “crown of India”, PM Modi expressed his desire to see the region prosper.

“There is an atmosphere of peace in J&K, and we have seen its impact on tourism. Kashmir is writing a new saga of development today,” he said.

The PM also highlighted upcoming infrastructural projects, including connecting the Kashmir by train, which he said has generated great enthusiasm among the people.

Paying tributes to the seven individuals who lost their lives in a terror attack near the tunnel site on October 20 last year, he assured that the government remains committed to ensuring peace and security in the region.

Strategic Importance of the Tunnel

The newly inaugurated tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to the picturesque Sonamarg, benefiting both tourists and locals during harsh winters.

The project also holds strategic importance as it ensures better access to the Ladakh region by bypassing avalanche-prone areas on the Sonamarg Road in Gagangir.

With the completion of the Rs 6800 crore Zojila Tunnel, scheduled for 2028, the Srinagar-Leh road will become an all-weather highway, further enhancing connectivity in the region.

After the inauguration, PM Modi inspected the tunnel and interacted with project officials and construction workers who braved extreme conditions to complete the project.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha were present at the event, marking PM Modi’s first visit to the region after the assembly elections held in September-October last year.