SRINAGAR: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Wednesday met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and discussed a range of organisational matters and public issues, including the restoration of statehood, welfare measures, recruitment, flood protection and the return of Kashmiri migrants.
During the meeting, Sadhotra urged the Chief Minister to ensure the timely implementation of welfare schemes announced by the government and maintain the pace of governance.
He reiterated the party’s demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, describing the issue as a democratic and constitutional aspiration of the people. Referring to the National Conference’s July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Sadhotra said the party would continue to pursue the restoration of statehood under the leadership of party president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The NC leader also sought early implementation of the government’s Budget announcement to provide one free LPG cylinder to every Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) family, saying the measure would provide relief to economically weaker households.
He called for stricter implementation of the Public Services Guarantee Act to ensure timely delivery of government services with greater accountability and transparency.
Highlighting the large number of vacancies in government departments, Sadhotra urged the government to expedite the recruitment process, saying it would improve public service delivery while creating employment opportunities for educated youth.
On the recent heavy rains, flash floods and cloudbursts in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Sadhotra appreciated the Chief Minister’s monitoring of the situation in Rajouri and Poonch. He also stressed the need to strengthen flood protection works in vulnerable areas and ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects to minimise damage during future disasters.
Sadhotra further sought the constitution of an apex committee for the return of Kashmiri migrants with representation from all stakeholders. He said the National Conference believes that Kashmir is incomplete without the return of Kashmiri Pandits in a safe and dignified manner.
On organisational matters, he called for strengthening the party’s frontal wings, including its youth, women’s, students’, labour and other cells, to expand grassroots outreach and highlight public issues across Jammu and Kashmir.
Sadhotra expressed confidence that the Omar Abdullah-led government would continue to address public aspirations through responsive governance, transparent administration and sustained development initiatives.
