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Key Points

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made a heartfelt plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for restoring the state's full statehood during a railway inauguration event in Katra. During his welcome speech, Abdullah highlighted the long-awaited railway link to the Valley and expressed hope for political restoration. He candidly shared his transition from state Chief Minister to Union Territory status, demonstrating both respect and a subtle political challenge. The event showcased Abdullah's diplomatic approach in seeking political changes while maintaining a cordial relationship with the central government.

Key Points: Omar Abdullah Urges Modi to Restore J&K Statehood

  • Omar highlights rail link dream realized under Modi's tenure
  • Praises Vajpayee's national priority rail project
  • Describes personal journey from state CM to UT status
  • Welcomes PM Modi at Katra railway event
2 min read

J&K CM Omar Abdullah makes passionate appeal for statehood restoration

J&K CM Omar Abdullah passionately appeals to PM Modi for restoring statehood during railway inauguration event in Katra

J&K CM Omar Abdullah makes passionate appeal for statehood restoration
"I am confident that your goodself will soon address the issue and announce statehood to J&K - Omar Abdullah"

Jammu, June 6

During his welcome address to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Katra town on Friday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made a passionate appeal for restoration of statehood.

Jammu, June 6 (IANS) During his welcome address to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Katra town on Friday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made a passionate appeal for restoration of statehood. During his welcome speech for the Prime Minister, CM Omar Abdullah said, “Jenab-e-Wallah (exalted sir), when you inaugurated the Katra railway station towards the end of my first term as the Chief Minister, Manoj Sinha ji was the Union Minister of State for Railways.

“He has been promoted as the Lieutenant-Governor while I have been demoted from the Chief Minister of a state to that of a Union Territory. I am confident that your goodself will soon address the issue and announce statehood to J&K”.

He also praised the Prime Minister for making the dream of a rail link to the Valley a reality.

“I was in class 8 and since then I have been hearing about a rail link to the Valley. The dream has been realised in your time sir.

“The start of the train service to the Valley will save us from the loot of the airlines companies who hike airfare to Jammu from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 whenever the Srinagar-Jammu highway gets blocked.

“I must also pay my gratitude to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who declared the rail link to the Valley a national priority project and made financial allocations for it," CM Omar said.

On the stage with PM Modi, CM Omar’s body language was very cordial as the PM engaged him in some close to ear talk.

He was also in the forefront of all the official functions on Friday, including the inauguration of the Chenab Railway Bridge, the Anji cable stayed railway bridge, the flag-off ceremony of two Vande Bharat trains, one from Katra to Srinagar and the other from Srinagar to Katra.

CM Omar was among the dignitaries who welcomed the PM on the stage before the latter’s address to the public in Katra stadium.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Statehood for J&K should be restored but only after ensuring complete peace and stability. The railway projects are game-changers for connectivity and economy. PM Modi is doing great work for infrastructure development in the region. 🙏
P
Priya M.
Omar Abdullah's appeal is justified. People of J&K deserve statehood like any other Indian state. The railway link is a wonderful development - will help common people so much with affordable travel options. More such projects please!
A
Amit S.
While I support development projects, I'm concerned about the timing of statehood restoration. First let terrorism be completely eradicated and normalcy return. The Vande Bharat trains are a proud moment for all Indians though! 🇮🇳
S
Sunita R.
Good to see political leaders working together for J&K's development. The Chenab bridge is an engineering marvel! Statehood is important but development should continue at this pace. The railway will boost tourism and local businesses.
V
Vikram J.
The railway projects show what can be achieved when Centre and state work together. However, Omar Abdullah should focus more on governance than political statements. Development first, politics later. The people need jobs and infrastructure.
N
Neha P.
As someone who has family in Jammu, the railway connection is a blessing! No more highway blockades stranding people for days. About statehood - it's an emotional issue but let's trust the process. Development is happening after decades of neglect.

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