Former Chief Minister and National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that Jammu, which had received only hollow promises in the past, is now steadily moving towards inclusive and sustainable development and is breathing easy under the Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Interacting with a delegation of the National Conference, Dr Abdullah said the elected government has restored public confidence in democratic processes and opened the corridors of power to the common people.
During the meeting, the delegation apprised the party president of several long-pending public issues that, according to them, accumulated over the past decade due to what they described as the misrule of the BJP. The delegation also appreciated the corrective and developmental measures initiated by the Omar Abdullah-led government to reverse the setbacks Jammu city faced over the last ten years.
Discussing organisational and party matters, Dr Abdullah assured the delegation that the National Conference remains fully aware of the hardships and challenges faced by the people during years of undemocratic governance.
“The Omar Abdullah-led government is making rapid strides to restore people’s faith in democratic institutions,” he said.
Referring to the much-publicised Smart City project, Dr Abdullah remarked that a few days of rain and subsequent waterlogging had exposed the hollow claims associated with it.
Highlighting initiatives of the present government, Dr Farooq Abdullah said concrete steps are being taken to protect and restore the historic Mubarak Mandi heritage complex, which suffered prolonged neglect. He said free transport facilities for women have enhanced mobility, additional ration quotas have eased the burden on poor families, and restoration of the Darbar Move has revived economic activity and brought relief to traders in Jammu.
He added that ongoing and upcoming projects, including ropeways, riverside development, lake creation in Jammu city and other initiatives, will firmly place Jammu on the national tourism map.
Dr Abdullah urged party workers to prepare for the forthcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayat elections and strengthen public outreach. He emphasised special representation for youth, particularly women, to ensure governance aligns with their aspirations.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday called upon Gujjar institutions to undertake scientific research on the impact of climate change and reservation on the Gujjar-Bakerwal community, stating that such studies would help frame effective future policies.
The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering at the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT), Jammu, on the third death anniversary of former Vice-Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Dr Masud Ahmed Choudhary, whom he described as a visionary educationist and institution-builder.
“There is no dearth of talent in Gujjar institutions. If this talent is channelised into research on climate change, it will strengthen the community,” Omar Abdullah said, adding that the nomadic lifestyle of the Gujjar-Bakerwal community makes it especially vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters.
He also stressed strengthening educational initiatives such as Gujjar hostels, schools and mobile schools, and called for an objective assessment of the impact of reservation.
“We have spoken about reservation for years, but serious studies on its real benefits are still lacking,” he said.
Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, also addressing the gathering, urged the community to remain united and prioritise education, stating that education alone can secure the future of coming generations.
Several Ministers, MLAs, former Ministers, senior advocates, civil society members and representatives of the Gujjar community were present on the occasion.
