NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring timely holding of elections in the region and sought restoration of statehood.
Omar praised Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the inauguration of the strategically important Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district.
Paying tributes to seven people, including a local doctor who lost their lives in a terror attack on tunnel construction workers last year, he said they had sacrificed their lives for the development of the country and Jammu and Kashmir. The 6.5 kilometer long tunnel, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, will provide year-round access to the picturesque resort of Sonamarg.
At the event, Abdullah highlighted the importance of Z-Morh tunnel and said, “Unfortunately, in the last 35 to 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 the people who carry out these attacks, those who do not want the betterment of this country, those who do not want to see peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir can never succeed. Here they will always have to face defeat. We will always defeat them and send them back from here.”
Abdullah also recalled Prime Minister 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 to eliminate Dil ki Doori (difference of hearts) and Delhi ki Doori (Delhi distance), and this is really demonstrated by your work… During that time, you had told the people of Jammu Kashmir that Very soon Elections will be held and people will have the opportunity to choose their government through their votes. You kept your word and within four months elections were held,” Abdullah said.
The inauguration of Z-Morh Tunnel, a key infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity and boosting tourism in the region, was attended by Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and other distinguished officials.