SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday renewed his government’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and constitutional guarantees, asserting that the elected dispensation would continue to represent and serve the people while striving to fulfil their aspirations and usher in a new era of development and prosperity.
Addressing the 80th Independence Day function at Bakhshi Stadium after hoisting the National Flag and taking the salute at the ceremonial parade, Omar said his government remained committed to building a stronger Jammu and Kashmir while pursuing the restoration of its statehood and constitutional rights.
“Today is a day of joy, remembrance and gratitude,” he said, paying tributes to the freedom fighters and national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence.
The Chief Minister said the government would continue to work for the people and translate their aspirations into reality.
“We will continue to represent you. We will continue to serve you. We will continue to work to take Jammu and Kashmir to new heights,” he said.
Reiterating his government’s political position, Omar said it would continue its efforts for the restoration of constitutional guarantees and statehood.
“Whether it is restoring the constitutional guarantees of Jammu and Kashmir, regaining its statehood or opening a new chapter of progress and development, your government will not only promise these things but will work to make them a reality,” he said.
The Chief Minister said development, prosperity and employment opportunities could not be achieved through rhetoric alone and required sustained action on the ground. He said the government’s efforts were aimed at ensuring that every young person across Jammu and Kashmir could see hope and opportunity in the future.
Reflecting on 80 years of Independence, Omar described the occasion as one of celebration as well as introspection. He stressed that democracy and federalism remained among India’s greatest strengths and called for protecting and deepening both.
“Our country is a Union of States,” he said, adding that federalism could only be strengthened when states were allowed to exercise their constitutional powers and responsibilities.
He also underlined the need for transparency and merit in recruitment and admissions, saying public trust in institutions must be protected.
“In Jammu and Kashmir, whether it is admission, recruitment or any other process, it should be transparent, merit-based and fair, so that those who genuinely deserve an opportunity get it,” he said.
Paying homage to the martyrs of the freedom struggle, the Chief Minister also recalled the role played by the people of Jammu and Kashmir in resisting tribal raiders in 1947. He remembered National Conference leader Master Abdul Aziz, who was killed while resisting the tribal invasion in Muzaffarabad.
Referring to the areas of Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistan’s occupation, Omar said the people living there were part of the same land and shared history.
“We consider those people as our own, not strangers,” he said, noting that seats reserved for those areas continue to remain vacant in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
The Chief Minister said the sacrifices made by the people of Jammu and Kashmir over the decades must be honoured through peace, development, democracy and justice.
Calling for greater engagement between the government and the people, he said governance could only be meaningful when it remained connected with public aspirations. He added that while governments were responsible for delivering results, the Opposition and media also had an important role in ensuring accountability.
Omar chose not to read out the official list of achievements of his government during the address and said it should be deemed to have been read.
Congratulating the people on the 80th Independence Day, he expressed hope that the coming decades would bring greater progress, peace, brotherhood and prosperity to the country and Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected the parade comprising contingents of J&K Police, security forces, NCC cadets and school students. Cultural programmes showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of Jammu and Kashmir were also presented on the occasion.
Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, legislators, senior civil and police officers and a large gathering of people attended the function. The Chief Minister also presented awards to outstanding officers, employees, students and performers for their contributions in various fields.
… pays tributes to martyrs at Balidan Stambh; hosts Independence Day ‘At Home’ reception at SKICC
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday paid floral tributes at the Balidan Stambh in Srinagar to honour the sacrifices of martyrs on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.
The Chief Minister laid a wreath at the memorial and observed a moment of silence in remembrance of those who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, the ADGP Headquarters, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, senior officers and security personnel were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, CM on Saturday evening hosted an ‘At Home’ reception at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar to mark the 80th Independence Day.
The reception was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, former chief minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, legislators, High Court judges, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, administrative secretaries, senior civil and police officers, representatives of civil society and other distinguished guests.
During the event, the Chief Minister interacted with the attendees and exchanged Independence Day greetings and best wishes with them.
