‘Govt committed to fulfill promises’
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 31: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today questioned the delay in restoration of Statehood, saying the situation witnessed after the Pahalgam attack would never have occurred if security control had been under his government.
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Addressing a gathering during the inauguration of Noor Jahan Bridge in Qamarwari area here, Omar said that at present, shikaras, taxis, and houseboats are lying empty after the Pahalgam attack. “Who has control over security? I don’t have the responsibility for security. If it had been in our hands, we would never have allowed such a situation to occur,” he said. Click here to watch video
The Chief Minister said that during his six years in office, there was not a single incident where tourists were targeted. “Our 36 guests have been killed in Pahalgam, and we are being asked to work. We know how to work; you do your job,” he said, apparently reacting to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s statement that the elected Government has enough powers which should be utilised for public welfare.
Omar said that, at the very least, the promises made in the Supreme Court (SC) and Parliament to the people of J&K should be fulfilled. “Why are they afraid of Statehood? Why aren’t they ready to step down? If people voted for that promise, then why is it being delayed? Except for a few recently elected MLAs, all parties, be it the NC, BJP, or PDP, sought votes on the promise of Statehood. People were told that Statehood would be restored after the elections, but now they are being asked to wait for the ‘right time’. I will wait, but tell me, how will we know when the right time has come?” he said.
“As Chief Minister, I should be informed of the goal set for the restoration of Statehood so that we can prepare ourselves and help people out of this situation, where employees are being terminated and residents are being evicted from their homes without any explanation,” he added.
The CM said his Government remains committed to its promises and will fulfil them all. “We are not among those who give a clean chit to themselves; rather, I am among those who acknowledge shortcomings as well. Hopefully, my colleagues and I will work together to ensure the development of Srinagar,” he said.
Omar urged officials to assign a proper name to the bridge, as it currently has three names – Qamarwari Bridge, Noorbagh Bridge, and Noor Jahan Bridge, which is creating confusion.
Earlier, Omar inaugurated the 3×43 metre PSC Girder Double Lane Noor Jahan Bridge at Qamarwari, constructed over the River Jhelum to significantly ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity between the two sides of Srinagar city connecting Qamarwari with Noorbagh and serve as a vital link leading to Nallahmar road.
Built at a cost of Rs 12.77 crore, the project marks a major step toward strengthening the city’s road infrastructure and ensuring smooth vehicular movement, particularly in the densely populated Qamarwari and adjoining areas.
Addressing a large public gathering after inaugurating the bridge, the Chief Minister said, “This bridge’s foundation was laid by me and after 11 years our Government comes back to complete it and today dedicate it to the people.”
The Chief Minister also reaffirmed his Government’s resolve to develop sustainable and efficient transport infrastructure to meet the growing needs of Srinagar’s expanding urban population. He assured the people that all promises made by the government would be fulfilled, adding that the administration remains dedicated to addressing the genuine issues of citizens. “After completing our term, we will present ourselves before the people to judge our government’s performance,” he remarked.
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