Srinagar: Pakistan is trying to create trouble in Jammu and Kashmir, but security forces will not allow the evil designs to succeed, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said here on Monday.
In his Republic Day address at the Bakshi Stadium. Choudhary said Jammu and Kashmir had suffered during Operation Sindoor, but the union territory has recovered now and is ready to welcome tourists again.
“Today, I pay tributes to the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The tourists had come here from various parts of the country. Pakistan is trying to harm our tourist industry by spreading terror, but our security forces will not allow them to succeed,” Choudhary said in his Republic Day address at the Bakshi Stadium here.
The deputy chief minister lauded the role of security forces in dealing with terrorism but asserted that their job was not done yet.
“The police and other security forces. Security forces have done a great job in countering terrorism, but the job of the police is not over yet. They have to fight the drug menace and save the youth from drugs,” he said.
Choudhary enumerated various development and welfare steps taken by the elected government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the past 15 months.
He said while the government was committed to addressing all the problems faced by the people in Jammu and Kashmir, there were some constraints as well.
“We hope the Centre will provide ample financial assistance to meet the development needs of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Earlier, the deputy chief minister paid tributes to the martyrs at the Balidhan Stambh at Pratap Park in the Lal Chowk area.
Talking to reporters, he expressed hope that the coming year will be good for Jammu and Kashmir in terms of tourism, which he termed the backbone of the economy.
Asked about restoration of statehood, Choudhary said it was a promise made by the prime minister and home minister of the country before the Parliament and the Supreme Court that Jammu and Kashmir will get back the status of a state soon.
Meanwhile, the 77th Republic Day celebrations kicked off with great pomp and enthusiasm at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary unfurled the National Flag and took the ceremonial salute.
The event was marked by a coordinated parade featuring contingents from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces, NCC cadets and school children, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage and developmental milestones.
Extending Republic Day greetings, the Dy CM congratulated the security forces and the Indian Army for their unwavering vigilance and sacrifice in safeguarding the nation. He expressed special gratitude to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, acknowledging their 36-year-long fight against militancy and paying homage to the brave personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. He emphasized that, besides maintaining security, there is a growing responsibility to eradicate the drug menace and protect the youth from drug addiction.
Paying tributes to the tourists killed in the Pahalgam attack, the Dy CM said Pakistan has repeatedly attempted to harm Kashmir’s peace and tourism sector but asserted that such conspiracies will no longer succeed. “Our people and our security forces stand united to defeat every such attempt,”.
Appealing to the tourists from across the country and abroad, he said Kashmir today enjoys a peaceful atmosphere and is ready to welcome the visitors. “Come and witness the divine beauty of Paradise on Earth and experience the hospitality and brotherhood of Kashmir,” he said, assuring the tourists of a safe and home-like environment.
Highlighting the significance of Republic Day, the Dy CM said January 26 symbolizes pride, honour and patriotism, marking adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950 and establishment of India as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.
Speaking on Jammu and Kashmir’s development journey, the Dy CM said that Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah laid a strong foundation for unity, brotherhood and progress in the region. He added that former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah carried forward this legacy and under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir has reached new heights of development.
Emphasizing youth empowerment, the Dy CM said the government recognizes youth as the backbone of society and is implementing strict measures to combat drug abuse. He highlighted the initiatives like Mission YUVA Digital Empowerment, a comprehensive web portal and mobile app offering AI-based DPR generation, around 25,000 educational videos and nearly 600 e-courses for aspiring entrepreneurs.
On skill development, he informed that new-age courses have been introduced at ITI Srinagar, with 68 additional seats in Smart City-related trades such as IoT Technician, Solar Technician and Smartphone Application Tester. Under Vision 2030, the government aims to transform Jammu and Kashmir into the Skill Capital of North India, targeting skill development for 1.5 million youth by 2030.
He further stated that the government is prioritizing industrial development and is formulating a Local Employment Policy to ensure first right to employment for local youth in upcoming industrial estates.
Highlighting progress in health and education sectors, the Dy CM said that medical facilities are being strengthened to improve healthcare and medical education. He added that buildings of seven Degree Colleges at Domel Pouni, Sunderbani, Hyderpora, Purmandal, Eidgah, Boniyar and Nagrota have been completed.
In line with the vision of Developed India @2047, the Dy CM said various initiatives have been taken like launch of futuristic programs in artificial intelligence, cyber security, robotics and nanotechnology by Kashmir University, five main research colleges have been identified and ‘Design Your Degree’ (DYD) initiative has been launched as a pilot project in select institutions, that empowers the students to design their learning paths according to their career goals, aspirations, and interests. Besides, inclusion of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in the curriculum connects students with India’s rich scientific, philosophical and cultural heritage, he added.
Focusing on girls’ education, the Dy CM said that 5,000 students are being provided free boarding, lodging, stipends and basic facilities in 89 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas across Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, 85 girls’ hostels are being constructed, of which, 48 have been completed.
Referring to urban and rural development, the Dy CM said that out of 288 projects taken up under urban development initiatives, 277 have already been completed and major Smart City projects, are transforming urban infrastructure.
Highlighting welfare measures, the Dy CM said that widow pensions, old age pensions and marriage assistance have been enhanced and free bus travel for women has benefitted lakhs of women passengers. During 2025, JKRTC transported over 62 lakh passengers, including 28 lakh women, he mentioned.
He also highlighted the achievements in securing GI tags for traditional handicrafts and agricultural products, strengthening the livelihoods of artisans and farmers. Progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, food security measures, energy infrastructure projects, sanitation initiatives under Swachh Bharat Mission and employment generation under MNREGA were also outlined.
Acknowledging the financial constraints and recurring natural calamities, the Dy CM expressed hope that the Government of India would extend necessary financial support keeping in view the unique challenges of the region.
Appealing for unity and harmony, the Dy CM called upon the people to work collectively for peace, progress and development of Jammu and Kashmir. He assured that Omar Abdullah led government will continue to make every effort to address public concerns and fulfil its commitments.
On the occasion, a colourful cultural programme was also presented by the students, artists of J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages and other troupes in the form of patriotic song and other items which mesmerised the audiences.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, several Legislators, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, IGP Kashmir; Administrative Secretaries, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, senior officers of Police and Civil administration, heads of various departments, government officials and large number of people and school children were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Dy CM also paid floral tributes to the martyrs at Balidan Stambh.
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Deputy CM hosts ‘At Home’ on 77th Republic Day at SKICC
SRINAGAR, JANUARY 26: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, today hosted an ‘At Home’ reception on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar.
The event was attended by Members of the Legislative Assembly, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, prominent citizens, traders, media persons, ex-servicemen, and senior officers from civil administration, police, and other security agencies.
The Deputy Chief Minister interacted with the guests and exchanged warm Republic Day greetings, highlighting the spirit of unity, constitutional values, and collective responsibility towards the progress and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.
