Former Chief Minister and National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah stated that Jammu is transitioning towards inclusive development under the governance of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He emphasized that residents, previously subjected to empty promises, are now benefiting from tangible progress.
Speaking to a National Conference delegation, Dr. Abdullah expressed that the current administration has reinstated public confidence in democratic practices and effectively bridged the gap between common citizens and the corridors of power.
The delegation brought to Dr. Abdullah’s attention numerous longstanding issues that have persisted over the past decade, blaming the BJP for these accumulating challenges. They commended the corrective measures introduced by the Omar Abdullah-led government, aimed at addressing the setbacks faced by Jammu over the last ten years.
Dr. Abdullah reassured party members that the National Conference remains attuned to the challenges faced by the populace during years marred by undemocratic governance. “The Omar Abdullah-led government is making rapid strides to restore people’s faith in democratic institutions,” he asserted.
Touching upon the much-discussed Smart City project, Dr. Abdullah pointed out shortcomings exposed by recent rains, resulting in waterlogging. He described the situation as a stark indication of the claims that lacked substance.
Highlighting pivotal initiatives by the government, Dr. Abdullah mentioned efforts to protect the historic Mubarak Mandi heritage complex, which has suffered neglect over the years. The introduction of free transport for women has improved mobility, while increased ration quotas alleviate pressure on economically disadvantaged families. He added that restoring the Darbar Move has revitalized economic activity, providing relief to Jammu’s traders.
By mentioning ongoing projects such as ropeways and riverside development, he assured the community that these initiatives would place Jammu firmly on the national tourism map.
Dr. Abdullah urged party workers to gear up for upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayat elections, stressing the importance of enhancing public outreach. He called for special representation of youth and women to align governance with their aspirations.
In a separate event, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah invited Gujjar institutions to conduct scientific studies examining the effects of climate change and reservations on the Gujjar-Bakerwal community. He asserted that such research would facilitate the formulation of informed future policies.
Addressing attendees at the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust in Jammu on the third death anniversary of former Vice-Chancellor Dr. Masud Ahmed Choudhary, he praised Choudhary as a visionary in education. “There is no dearth of talent in Gujjar institutions. If this talent is channelized into research on climate change, it will strengthen the community,” he signaled, pointing out the community’s vulnerabilities linked to its nomadic lifestyle.
He further pushed for enhancing educational infrastructure, advocating for more Gujjar hostels, schools, and mobile educational units. Additionally, he called for transparent evaluations on the benefits of existing reservation policies, stating, “We have spoken about reservation for years, but serious studies on its real benefits are still lacking.”
Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Farooq Abdullah urged attendees to prioritize education, emphasizing its importance for securing future generations. He underscored the necessity for community unity in facing ongoing challenges.
The event saw the participation of notable figures, including several ministers, MLAs, former ministers, senior advocates, civil society representatives, and members of the Gujjar community.
