NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Monday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring the timely conduct of elections in the region and sought restoration of statehood.
Omar lauded PM Modi’s presence at the inauguration of the strategically important Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district.
Paying tributes to seven persons, including a local doctor who lost their lives in a terror attack on the tunnel construction workers last year, he said they have sacrificed their lives for the development of the country and Jammu and Kashmir. The 6.5 km-long tunnel, inaugurated by PM Modi, will provide year-round access to the picturesque Sonamarg tourist resort.
At the event, Abdullah highlighted the significance of the Z-Morh tunnel, noting, “Unfortunately, in the last 35-37 years, thousands of people here sacrificed their lives for the progress of this country, for the development of Jammu and Kashmir… Prime Minister Sahib, your presence here today at the inauguration program of this tunnel is a testimony to the fact that those people who carry out these attacks, those who don’t want the betterment of this country, those who don’t want to see peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir, can never succeed. They will always have to face defeat here. We will always defeat them and send them back from here.”
Abdullah also recalled PM Modi’s remarks during his visit to Srinagar on International Yoga Day. “You (PM Modi) said 3 very important things during your program in Srinagar on International Yoga Day. You said that you are working on eliminating Dil ki Doori (difference of hearts) and Delhi ki Doori (distance from Delhi), and this is really proved by your work… During that time, you had told the people of Jammu Kashmir that very soon elections will be held and people will get a chance to choose their government through their votes. You kept your word and within 4 months, elections were held,” Abdullah said.
The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel, a key infrastructure project poised to enhance connectivity and boost tourism in the region, was attended by Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and other distinguished officials.
