Katra, Jun 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday in his inimitable manner pleaded the cause of restoration of statehood, in the presence of the Prime Minister, by reflecting on his (Omarís) personal tryst with key milestones in J&Kís rail history.
The Chief Minister was addressing a large gathering at Katra stadium after the inauguration of the Chenab and Anji Bridges and at the flagging-off ceremony of the Vande Bharat Train to Kashmir by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Also present on the occasion were Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha; Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw; Union MoS PMO Jitendra Singh besides other dignitaries.
CM Omar recalled his presence at the inauguration of the Anantnag Railway Station, the Banihal Railway Tunnel, and his governmentís final event at the same venue with PM Modi in 2014.
ìYou may call it fate, or perhaps destiny, but I have always had the good fortune of being present at key milestones in Jammu and Kashmirís railway journey,î he said.
In the same breath, he, in a lighter vein remarked, ìFour persons, who were present in the 2014 event, are present today also.î
Reference was to Prime Minister Narendra Modi; Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who was then the Minister of State for Railways; Union Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
ìI was then the Chief Minister of a full-fledged state. In the present context, the Lieutenant Governor is present here at a promoted rank while I stand here slightly demoted being the Chief Minister of a Union Territory,î the Chief Minister said, evoking laughter.
He drew applause as he expressed hope that with the Prime Ministerís continued support, Jammu and Kashmir would soon regain its status as a full-fledged state.
ìToday marks yet another momentous occasion. With your leadership and support, we look forward to Jammu and Kashmir regaining its status as a full-fledged state,î he said.
CM Omar hailed the rail link of Kashmir with the rest of the country as a ìhistoric accomplishment,î stating that the development would boost tourism, and trade and bring comfort in the daily lives of people of Jammu and Kashmir.
ìThis marks Kashmirís first all-weather railway connectivity with the rest of India. The benefits to Jammu and Kashmir will be substantial. Tourism will receive a major boost, and the daily lives of our residents will improve,î the Chief Minister said.
He highlighted the difficulties faced by people during inclement weather when highway closures lead to exorbitant airfares.
ìWith this railway line operational, that hardship will be alleviated to a great extent, offering affordable and reliable transportation,î CM Omar noted.
Speaking about the economic benefits, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of better market access for the regionís horticultural produce.
ìOur apples, cherries, and other fruit will now find faster and more easy access to markets across the country and even globally. This will provide a significant economic benefit to our growers and traders,î he said.
Lauding Prime Minister Modiís leadership, the Chief Minister said, ìThe successful completion of this critical infrastructure project stands as a testament to the Centreís commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir.î
ìUnder PM Modiís stewardship, yet another critical infrastructure project in Jammu & Kashmir has been completed. We are also witnessing rapid progress on other vital initiatives ó the Jammu Ring Road, the Srinagar Ring Road, the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, the four-laning of the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, and the expansion of both the Jammu and Srinagar airports and the railway network,î he said.
CM Omar also recalled that the dream of connecting Kashmir via railway dates back to colonial times.
ìEven during British rule, plans were envisioned ó such as the proposed Uri and Jhelum railway lines ó but they remained unfulfilled. What the British could not achieve, you have made a reality. You have connected Kashmir with the rest of India and, through it, to the wider world. This is a historic accomplishment,î he said.
Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he credited him for being the first to recognise the rail network to Kashmir as a project of national importance.
ìThis progress owes much to the vision of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, who declared this railway line a project of national importance. Since then, the project has seen consistent progress and budgetary prioritization,î he said.
Reaffirming his governmentís commitment to development, the Chief Minister reiterated his resolve to fulfil the vision of a prosperous region.
ìOur government remains committed to the vision of ëViksit Jammu Kashmir, Viksit Bharatí ó a developed Jammu and Kashmir, a developed India ó and we are determined to realize this goal for the people of our region.î
The Chief Minister extended his gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
ìOn this historic day, on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to you, Prime Minister. Thank you for your unwavering support and for helping turn decades-old dreams into reality.î
