J&K has waited long enough for statehood restoration: CM Omar

Bandipora, Aug 7: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that statehood to Jammu and Kashmir should be restored without further delay.

Talking to media persons on the closing day of the two-day National Tribal Festival Gurez-2025 organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in Chorwan village close to the Line of Control in Gurez Valley of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, CM Omar suggested that people had waited enough to witness the Supreme Court’s “as soon as possible” assertion turn into reality.

“When the Supreme Court announced its verdict on Article 370, it noted two important points. One was related to elections, and the second was about statehood. SC said statehood to J&K should be restored as soon as possible,” he said.

“A very long time has passed since,” the CM said. “We want J&K to become a state again as soon as possible.”

He said that the tribal festivals like these in Gurez make one aware of how big “our country India is” in terms of culture, food habits, and languages.

CM Omar said calm borders were necessary to boost tourism in these far-flung areas.

“Once the condition is met, border tourism will thrive on its own,” he said.

The CM said that for the Kashmir region, tourism in places like Gurez, Machil, Tangdhar, and Keran should increase.

“Likewise, for Jammu, border tourism needs to be promoted further,” he said.

CM Omar said, “It was the way to address unemployment and improve the economies of the far-flung areas.”

Earlier, speaking at the valedictory function of the tribal festival, he reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the development and upliftment of Gurez and its people.

The CM assured the residents that Gurez remains high on his government’s priority list.

He lauded the peace-loving nature of the people of Gurez, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to peace even in challenging times.

“Gurez has always stood as a symbol of resilience and harmony. My government recognises this spirit and is determined to ensure that the region progresses in all spheres,” CM Omar said.

Emphasising the need for improved connectivity, he assured the people that efforts were underway to provide mobile network coverage to keep Gurez connected with the rest of the country.

Highlighting the tourism potential of Gurez Valley, the CM urged the residents to work together to keep Gurez clean and pollution-free.

“Gurez is blessed with immense natural beauty, and it is our collective responsibility to preserve it for future generations. While we want development and progress for the region, it must be balanced with safeguarding its heritage, culture and traditions,” he said.

CM Omar said that the expansion of tourism would create employment opportunities, especially for the youth of Gurez.

Earlier, he toured various stalls showcasing local produce, herbs, traditional foods, and handicrafts.

Tribal dance performances by cultural troupes from J&K, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat added colour and diversity to the celebrations.

On the occasion, the CM also distributed appreciation certificates to women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for their entrepreneurial efforts.

Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; MLA Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi); MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq; Additional Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Government of India; Secretary, Tribal Affairs, J&K; and Director, Tribal Affairs also spoke on the occasion.

Later, CM Omar also inaugurated and witnessed a polo match and flagged off a trekking group from Gurez, promoting the region’s potential for adventure tourism.

Additionally, he planted saplings at the Tourist Reception Centre in Gurez as part of a green initiative.

In the morning, the CM held a grievance redressal camp at Wampora, Dawar, where residents from various areas, including Chorwan, Kanzalwan, Tulail, Markote, and Bagtore, raised issues concerning road and mobile connectivity, upgradation of educational institutions, banking facilities, ATM services, community bunkers, and employment opportunities.

He patiently listened to all grievances and assured timely redressal.

CM Omar said that since the time of the National Conference (NC) founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, the government had remained committed to delivering justice to the people of Gurez.

“We understand the hardships faced by the people of this region. Our government has empathy and commitment to address these concerns,” he said.