Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday for fulfilling his election promise to hold elections in the Union Territory. Speaking at a gathering after the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel, Omar acknowledged that PM Modi, after securing his third term, had promised that elections would be held, allowing the people to choose their own government. “PM Modi, after attending the International Yoga Day in Srinagar, promised that elections would take place, and within four months, they were held. A new government was elected, and I am now speaking to you as the Chief Minister,” Omar said.
He emphasized that the elections saw enthusiastic participation, with no complaints of rigging or misuse of power.Omar also reiterated PM Modi’s promise of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “People continue to ask me about the restoration of statehood, and I remind them that PM Modi fulfilled his promise of holding elections. I believe that this promise will also soon be fulfilled, and Jammu and Kashmir will once again be a state in this country,” he said.
Highlighting the positive impact of PM Modi’s efforts, Omar noted that peace along the borders has significantly benefited remote areas like Machil, Gurez, Karnah, and Keran. These areas are seeing improvements in development and tourism, with an influx of visitors.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that with the opening of the Sonamarg tunnel, people from higher altitudes would now have year-round road connectivity to the plains.
Omar remembered the seven civilians who were tragically killed by terrorists in Gagangir last year during the Z-Morh tunnel construction project.
Z-Morh Tunnel Inauguration
In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 6.5 km Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district, Central Kashmir, which will provide year-round access to the Sonamarg tourist resort. The tunnel, constructed at a cost of over ₹2,700 crore, connects Gagangir and Sonamarg. It also features a 7.5-meter-wide emergency escape passage, ensuring safety for travelers.
During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Modi was accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
