Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Thursday that discussions on restoring statehood to the Union Territory should be concluded soon so that people can get what they have been demanding.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a special national integration camp organised by the Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh NCC Directorate here, Abdullah also lauded the sanctioning of several projects for the Union Territory.
“Let there be discussions, it is a good thing. But we would want the discussions to conclude soon, so that we get what we are demanding,” he said.
Welcoming the sanctioning of projects worth Rs 10,600 crore for Jammu and Kashmir, including tunnels, the chief minister said these initiatives will give a huge boost to the Union Territory.
“There was a demand for a Mughal Road tunnel for long, since the road was completed in 2008-09. People wanted the road to remain open throughout the year. Similarly, there was a long-pending demand for a tunnel on the Sadhna pass to connect Tangdhar that has been approved.
“Many other projects have been approved,” the chief minister said, adding that Rs 10,600 crore is not a nominal amount. “Now, we will have to try for some more tunnels, like in Gurez, which have been left out,” he said.
The National Conference (NC) leader said youngsters who associate themselves with the National Cadet Corps (NCC) benefit immensely.
“It inculcates discipline, self-awareness, self-confidence and patriotism, as well as leads to relationships that benefit them lifelong,” he said.
Abdullah said these youngsters can achieve a lot.
“Ten NCC cadets scaled the highest mountain peak in the world, two of them were from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh — a boy from the Kathua area of Jammu and a girl from Ladakh. This is a huge achievement.
“Sitting atop the highest mountain peak in the world at the age of 18 shows the discipline and self-confidence they acquire after joining the NCC,” he said.
“I want more youngsters to join the NCC. I hope they enjoy their time here and when they return home, they tell their friends, neighbours and relatives to visit Kashmir on vacations,” the chief minister said.
An official spokesperson said Abdullah called upon the NCC cadets from across the country to serve as ambassadors of peace, unity and harmony by sharing their positive experiences of Jammu and Kashmir with people in their home states.
The presence of the young cadets from different parts of the country was a “morale booster” for the people of the valley, the chief minister said.
The 12-day camp aims to promote national integration and cultural exchange among youngsters.
“I urge you to go back and be our ambassadors. Tell your families, friends and communities about the Jammu and Kashmir you saw — the warmth of its people, the beauty of its culture and the reality beyond headlines,” Abdullah said.
Referring to the April 22 terror attack in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives, the chief minister said this year has “brought us pain we hoped never to experience again”.
“But even in our darkest hours, there is hope. There is light at the end of every tunnel,” he added.
Emphasising the importance of continued engagement with Kashmir, Abdullah urged the NCC authorities to organise future camps that include travel by train.
“Let cadets witness the incredible engineering marvels that connect the valley to the rest of the country. It will be a journey of inspiration,” he said.
Reflecting on his own school days, the NC leader spoke about the enduring value of bonds formed during such camps.
“When you live, travel, perform and share experiences together, you build relationships that last a lifetime. Cherish them, they are priceless,” he said.
The chief minister underscored the strength of India’s unity in diversity, recalling the opening words of the Constitution — “We, the People of India”.
“We are united not despite our differences, but because of them. Our real strength lies in our togetherness,” he said.
“These integration camps are not just about training or cultural showcases. They symbolise the living spirit of India — an unbreakable emotional and physical bond among its people. As long as we nurture this spirit, no adversary can weaken us,” Abdullah asserted.
