Omar Abdullah hails PM Modi for keeping election promise, urges statehood restoration for J&K

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilling his commitment to hold elections in the Union Territory.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel, Omar said, “PM Modi, after securing his third term, participated in the International Yoga Day in Srinagar, where people were promised that elections would be held, and they would get to choose their own government. You (PM Modi) fulfilled your promise, and polls were held within four months. A new government was elected, and the result is, as chief minister, I am talking to you here.”

#WATCH | Sonamarg: Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah says, "Elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir and the biggest thing was that there was no complaint of any irregularities anywhere, no complaint of misuse of power. The credit for this goes to you (PM Modi), your colleagues… pic.twitter.com/vRcSK11Ae5

— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025

He highlighted the enthusiastic participation of the people in the elections, emphasizing that there were no allegations of rigging or misuse of power throughout the process.

“Prime Minister, you had also promised the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. People keep asking me about this, and I keep reminding them that PM Modi fulfilled his promise of holding elections. I believe soon this promise will also be fulfilled, and Jammu and Kashmir will once again be a state in this country,” Omar stated.

The chief minister acknowledged the peace-building efforts along the borders under PM Modi’s leadership, which he said have significantly benefited remote areas. He mentioned regions such as Machil, Gurez, Karnah, and Keran, noting improvements in development and tourism with increased tourist arrivals.

Omar also lauded the impact of the newly inaugurated Sonamarg tunnel, which will ensure year-round connectivity for people living in the upper reaches. “With the opening of the Sonamarg tunnel, people from the upper reaches will no longer need to travel to the plains, as the road connectivity will be available year-round,” he said.