Dr. Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister and president of the National Conference, highlighted Jammu’s shift towards inclusive development under Omar Abdullah’s government. On Wednesday, he stated that Jammu, once hindered by empty promises, is now experiencing significant progress and sustainable development.
During a meeting with a delegation of the National Conference, Dr. Abdullah informed members about the government’s efforts to restore public confidence in democratic processes. He noted that the current administration has opened channels of communication for the common citizen, a stark change from previous mismanagement.
The delegation presented Dr. Abdullah with a series of long-standing public issues, attributed to what they described as the ‘misrule of the BJP’ over the last decade. They praised the corrective measures initiated by the current administration, aimed at reversing the damages faced by Jammu city during that period.
Dr. Abdullah expressed deep awareness regarding the challenges faced by the people during years of undemocratic governance. He assured the delegation that the National Conference remains dedicated to addressing these hardships.
In his remarks, Dr. Abdullah stated, “The Omar Abdullah-led government is making rapid strides to restore people’s faith in democratic institutions.” He underscored initiatives that bolster public confidence, particularly within the context of the widely discussed Smart City project, which had its shortcomings highlighted during recent rainfall incidents.
The former Chief Minister also urged his party leaders to focus on crucial developments, including efforts to preserve and restore the historic Mubarak Mandi heritage complex, long ignored by past administrations. Additional measures, such as implementing free transportation for women and increasing ration quotas for impoverished families, reflect the government’s commitment to uplifting the marginalized.
Moreover, he pointed out that the revival of the Darbar Move has stimulated economic activity in Jammu, much to the delight of local traders. Upcoming projects, including ropeways, riverside development, and lake creation, aim to establish Jammu’s prominence on the national tourism map.
In preparation for the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayat elections, Dr. Abdullah encouraged party workers to engage in extensive public outreach. He emphasized the importance of providing special representation for youth and women as a means of aligning governance with community aspirations.
On the same day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed a gathering at the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust in Jammu. He encouraged institutions within the Gujjar community to engage in scientific research focused on climate change and its implications for the Gujjar-Bakerwal community. He stated that such research could inform better future policymakers.
During his speech, the Chief Minister praised the late Dr. Masud Ahmed Choudhary, former Vice-Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, calling him a visionary educationist. He affirmed “There is no dearth of talent in Gujjar institutions. If this talent is channelized into research on climate change, it will strengthen the community.”
Omar Abdullah acknowledged the community’s unique nomadic lifestyle, which renders them particularly vulnerable to climate shifts and disasters. He stressed the need for enhanced educational facilities, such as Gujjar hostels and mobile schools, alongside a critical evaluation of the impact of reservation policies.
“We have discussed reservation for years. However, comprehensive studies on its tangible benefits remain absent,” he emphasized. Dr. Farooq Abdullah echoed these sentiments, urging the community to unite and prioritize education, stating, “Education alone can secure the future of coming generations.”
The event saw participation from various notable figures, including several ministers, MLAs, and civil society representatives, all committed to advancing the agenda of education, climate change research, and community engagement.