SRINAGAR: In his address following Prime Minister Modi’s inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel, Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, paid tribute to those killed in the militant attack on the Z-Morh Tunnel, saying they gave their lives for the project, Jammu Kashmir and country.
“I won’t start my address without mentioning their names,” he said. “They gave their lives for this project, and we will never forget their sacrifice.”
Amid loud cheers from the crowd, Omar Abdullah took the opportunity to remind Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his promise to restore statehood to the region. “I am hopeful that just as you’ve fulfilled your other promises, you will restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest,” he said.
Abdullah stressed that the Prime Minister had fulfilled three significant commitments: reducing the distance between Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi, restoring people’s right to vote through elections, and advancing the region’s development.
“In just four months, you made good on your promises, and I am confident you will restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
CM Omar said any attempt to cause damage to democracy in JK will not be allowed, such steps will be defeated.
Abdullah expressed his pride in having been part of the foundational steps for the tunnel project when the foundation stone was laid. He lauded the speed with which PM Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari advanced the project, transforming the “Z Morh Tunnel” into a reality. “This new infrastructure will provide year-round tourism, particularly benefiting winter tourism in the region.”
“The project will boost tourism in Sonamarg and also lay the groundwork for further development of areas like Zojila.”
Abdullah also thanked the Prime Minister for his visit despite the harsh winter condition, “Despite the cold outside, our hearts are warm. You share a special bond with Kashmir, and we hope to continue to see you here, maintaining this strong connection.”
The Sonamarg Tunnel is seen as a major step forward for the region’s development, offering not just a boost to tourism but also a reminder of the ongoing commitment to peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir.
