JAMMU, December 11, 2024 (BANN) : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conducted a significant interaction with Jammu’s civil society at his official residence on Wazarat Road.
This marked his first meeting with civil society representatives in Jammu since assuming office, following a similar event in Srinagar on October 30. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, and senior officials from civil and police administration.
The diverse gathering included representatives from women’s organizations, NGOs, Kashmiri Pandits, traders, tourism stakeholders, and other community leaders.
Commitment to Inclusivity Addressing the gathering, Omar Abdullah emphasized his government’s commitment to equitable governance, stating, “This government serves every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of political affiliations. We prioritize inclusivity and equity, resisting any attempts to divide the regions.”
He underscored the symbolic importance of appointing a Deputy Chief Minister from Jammu to highlight the region’s significance in governance.
Revival of Darbar Move The Chief Minister reaffirmed his dedication to reviving the historic Darbar Move, a 150-year-old practice of biannual administrative relocation between Jammu and Srinagar.
Abdullah described it as a “symbol of J&K’s unity and inclusivity,” dismissing financial objections. “Ending the Darbar Move would alienate the two regions and harm the collective unity we aim to preserve,” he asserted.
Boosting Jammu’s Economy and Tourism Expressing concern over Jammu’s limited share in the tourism industry, Abdullah announced plans to harness the region’s potential. “Over one crore pilgrims visit Mata Vaishno Devi annually. Redirecting even a fraction of them could transform Jammu’s economy,” he said.
He also unveiled plans for a craft and culture fair modeled after the renowned Surajkund Mela, aiming to showcase Jammu’s rich heritage.
Addressing Key Concerns The Chief Minister acknowledged pressing issues raised during the interaction, including the shortage of Punjabi teachers in schools catering to Sikh children and the challenges faced by Kashmiri Pandits.
He assured the community of his government’s commitment to addressing their grievances and improving living conditions.
He also highlighted ongoing Smart City projects nearing completion in Jammu and Srinagar, pledging to introduce further initiatives to modernize infrastructure and enhance urban livability.
Biannual Civil Society Engagements Abdullah committed to maintaining regular dialogue with civil society, with biannual interactions in both Jammu and Kashmir. “These interactions allow us to stay connected with ground realities and receive valuable feedback,” he said.
He assured attendees of an action-taken report during their next meeting. A Transparent and Inclusive Approach Participants hailed the initiative as a step toward transparent governance and fostering stronger ties between the government and the people.
In his closing remarks, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the valuable insights shared by the attendees. “Your feedback guides us in improving governance. Together, we can serve Jammu and Kashmir better,” he concluded.
This interaction underscores the Abdullah-led government’s commitment to unity, inclusivity, and addressing the aspirations of all citizens across the Union Territory.
