Trust me, I want to burst like a cloudburst: CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, May 06: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday hinted at unveiling a significant political message after Eid, saying he was restraining himself from making political remarks at the present event due to its academic nature.

Speaking at a gathering in Tangmarg, the Chief Minister said the occasion did not permit a full-fledged political speech, but indicated that he would address political issues openly at a public meeting after Eid. “Trust me, I want to burst like a cloudburst,” he said while interacting with the audience.

During his address, Omar focused largely on education, employment and economic development, saying the future of Jammu and Kashmir depends on creating better opportunities for the younger generation.

Highlighting gaps in the higher education sector, he said the lack of adequate private universities in Jammu and Kashmir compels many families to send their children outside the Union Territory for studies, resulting in a major financial burden. He said the government has already cleared the Private University Bill and is in the process of finalising rules for its implementation.

The Chief Minister said regions such as Tangmarg have the potential to host quality private educational institutions and expressed hope that new universities would emerge across Jammu and Kashmir in the coming years.

Referring to unemployment, Omar said government recruitment alone cannot fully resolve the issue, though the administration has fixed a target of providing around 20,000 to 25,000 government jobs during the year.

He said the government was simultaneously encouraging self-employment through schemes such as Mission Yuva, aimed at supporting aspiring entrepreneurs with easier access to loans and skill-based opportunities. He added that skill development initiatives are being aligned with present-day market demands to improve employability among youth.

The Chief Minister said the administration’s long-term objective is to build a self-sustaining economy in Jammu and Kashmir by strengthening local industries, entrepreneurship and infrastructure.

He said efforts are being directed towards reducing dependence on central assistance and creating a stronger economic base within the region itself.