Former Chief Minister and National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah highlighted Jammu’s transition towards inclusive development under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Speaking to a delegation of his party on Tuesday, Dr Abdullah stated, “Jammu, which faced years of hollow promises, is now on a firm path towards sustainable growth.”
Dr Abdullah underscored the elected government’s role in renewing public trust in democratic processes. By facilitating access to governance, the administration has opened corridors of power for the common people.
The delegation raised multiple long-standing public concerns that have accumulated over the past decade, attributing them to what they term the misrule of the BJP. They lauded the Omar Abdullah-led government for initiating corrective measures that contribute to Jammu’s development.
While addressing organisational matters, Dr Abdullah affirmed the National Conference’s awareness of the hardships endured by Jammu’s residents during years of poor governance. He asserted, “The Omar Abdullah-led government is making rapid strides to restore people’s faith in democratic institutions.”
Dr Abdullah commented on the much-publicized Smart City project, observing, “A few days of rain exposed the hollow claims surrounding it, as the waterlogging reflected the project’s shortcomings.”
Amidst discussing various initiatives, Dr Farooq Abdullah specifically mentioned steps to protect the historic Mubarak Mandi heritage complex. He noted that free transport facilities for women have significantly improved mobility, while additional ration quotas eased the burden on underprivileged families. Moreover, the revival of the Darbar Move has energized economic activities, bringing relief to traders.
He added that ongoing and future projects, such as ropeways, riverside developments, and lake creations, will prominently position Jammu on the national tourism map.
Dr Abdullah encouraged party workers to gear up for the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayat elections while enhancing public outreach. He stressed the importance of representation for youth, especially women, to ensure that governance resonates with their aspirations.
In tandem with these developments, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called on Gujjar institutions to engage in scientific research concerning climate change and the implications of reservation on the Gujjar-Bakerwal community. Speaking at the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust in Jammu, he asserted that such research would be crucial for formulating effective policies in the future.
“Talent abounds in Gujjar institutions. If harnessed effectively for climate change research, it will benefit the entire community,” Omar Abdullah stated. His remarks reflected an acknowledgment of the vulnerabilities the nomadic Gujjar-Bakerwal community faces due to climatic shifts and natural disasters.
He advocated for bolstered educational initiatives, including Gujjar hostels, schools, and mobile schools, while calling for a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of reservation. “While we discuss reservation often, we lack serious studies on its benefits,” Omar Abdullah added.
In his speech, former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah encouraged the Gujjar community to prioritise unity and education, insisting that education is vital for securing a brighter future for upcoming generations. His message resonated with the several ministers, MLAs, former ministers, senior advocates, civil society members, and representatives of the Gujjar community present at the gathering.
