SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Sunday reiterated the commitment of the Omar Abdullah-led government to fulfill promises regarding the return of Kashmiri Pandits, tackling the drug menace, and addressing employment concerns in a phased manner.
Delivering his Republic Day speech at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, Choudhary also urged the central government to honor assurances about restoring statehood and safeguarding land and job rights for Jammu and Kashmir residents.
Choudhary praised the Abdullah family, crediting Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah for strengthening the Constitution in J&K and lauding Omar Abdullah for continuing the legacy of his father, Farooq Abdullah, and grandfather. “The recent elections witnessed massive voter turnout, showing people’s trust in us. The government is working 24×7 to fulfill promises such as increasing the ration quota, generating employment, and other issues,” he stated.
On the return of Kashmiri Pandits, Choudhary acknowledged the collective pain over the community’s exodus and expressed optimism about their rehabilitation. “We are working tirelessly to ensure their return, and our efforts will soon bear fruit,” he said.
Addressing the pressing issue of drug abuse, the Deputy Chief Minister termed it a grave societal threat and called for collaborative efforts to combat the menace. “Stringent measures are being taken, but the involvement of youth in this issue is alarming. A joint fight is essential to eliminate this scourge, as it endangers our future,” he emphasized.
Concluding his speech, Choudhary urged citizens to pledge toward making India more beautiful and achieving self-reliance for J&K.
The Republic Day event saw prominent attendees, including National Conference President Farooq Abdullah, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Lal Chowk Ashan Pardesi, and NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar.
