District Ganderbal will be set on a steady growth path: CM
Shadow Correspondent
Srinagar, Sep 29:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reaffirmed that the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is a fundamental right of its people and urged New Delhi not to test their patience any longer.
Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal, Abdullah cautioned against letting the situation slide into turmoil similar to the unrest that has gripped Ladakh.
“The situation here can change in a jiffy, but we do not want it to reach the level we are witnessing in Ladakh. Statehood is our right. The people of Ladakh had demanded Union Territory status, yet it did not improve their lives. We do not want innocents to suffer here,” Abdullah said, stressing that his party would continue to
Statehood fundamental
pursue the issue peacefully. The Chief Minister reminded that the Government of India has already committed itself to restoring statehood and even conveyed the assurance before the Supreme Court. “The processes of delimitation and elections are complete. What lies ahead is the restoration of statehood. People have shown remarkable patience so far, but now it is time for the promise to be fulfilled,” he noted.
Reflecting on Ladakh’s experience, Omar Abdullah as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust said his party had warned that the demand for Union Territory status could have unintended consequences. “We always told the people of Ladakh that what they were demanding might prove costly to them. Sadly, their lives have not improved under the new arrangement,” he remarked.
His comments come amid a fresh wave of debate in Jammu and Kashmir’s political circles about when the Centre will announce concrete steps towards restoring full statehood. Opposition leaders and civil society groups have repeatedly called for an immediate timeline, arguing that prolonged central rule has eroded accountability and left people feeling disempowered.
Abdullah closed his interaction by reiterating his call for restraint and constitutional engagement. “We will take up the issue in a peaceful manner. Our demand is just and lawful, and it must be honoured,” he said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated and laid foundation stone for more than a dozen development projects worth ₹36.50 crore during an extensive tour of Ganderbal district, reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure in sports, power sectors and improving road connectivity in the district.
At Beehama, the Chief Minister inaugurated six major sports infrastructure projects including the upgradation of Beehama Stadium, Madr-e-Meherban Stadium, and playfields at Gund Rehman, Manigam, Wakura, and Batwina. These projects mark a significant investment in nurturing local sports talent and promoting a healthy sporting ecosystem across the district.
Unveiling new sports equipment for youth, the Chief Minister also witnessed impressive performances in Judo, Thang-Ta, and Yoga, showcasing Ganderbal’s vibrant sporting spirit.
At Saloora, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated and dedicated a 33/11 KV, 1×6 MVA receiving station to the public.
Later, he inaugurated the Pre-Fab Indoor Badminton Hall at the Government College of Physical Education (GCOPE), Gadoora, and even participated in a friendly badminton match.
In the same complex, the Chief Minister inaugurated a 400-meter Synthetic Athletic Track and a Synthetic Football Turf, flagging off a 100-meter sprint of girls before himself taking part in a 100-meter sprint, amidst applause from the gathering.
The Chief Minister also laid foundation stone for four crucial road connectivity projects, including the upgradation of Shajinga Link Road and Khatijinag Road; construction and upgradation of the Dar Mohallah–Watalbagh–Dangerpora road; construction of the Pati Waskura–Kharbagh road; and construction of the Tehsil Bagh–Lar Bye Pass–Yanihama–Dangerpora road.
During his tour, Omar Abdullah was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Principal Secretary PDD Rajesh H Prasad, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, Director General YS&S Anuradha Gupta, Managing Director KPDCL, Chief Engineers of PDD and PW(R&B), Secretary J&K Sports Council, and other senior officers.
Addressing a large gathering at Government College of Physical Education, Omar Abdullah described the day’s inaugurations and laying of foundation stone of multiple works “the beginning of a new era of development in Ganderbal.” He said that these projects were not a favour to the people but an expression of gratitude for their trust and support.
The Chief Minister announced that every block in Ganderbal will be equipped with a modern cricket and football ground, as well as a library and reading room with internet facilities, so that both sports enthusiasts and students preparing for competitive exams are equally supported. He asked Youth Services & Sports Department to allow local residents access to the athletic track and football turf at GCOPE during non-academic hours, ensuring wider community participation.
Highlighting the newly inaugurated Saloora Grid Station, Omar Abdullah, who represents Ganderbal constituency, said it would significantly strengthen the power distribution system in the district. He further assured that funds had been allocated for upgrading facilities at the Ganderbal District Hospital, along with recruitment of additional doctors to address manpower shortages.
Omar Abdullah also reflected on the political and administrative challenges following the 2019 changes, but asserted that his government is determined to deliver despite all these limitations. “We will not make excuses, nor will we stop working. We will provide roads, jobs, education, health, electricity, drinking water, and playfields to our people,” he said, assuring that no part of Ganderbal district will be left behind.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister vowed to work “day and night” to ensure that Ganderbal continues on a steady path of growth and development, echoing the legacy of Baba-e-Qaum, Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah.
