Jammu, December 11, 2024 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held a key meeting with civil society members at his official residence on Wazarat Road, marking his first such interaction with Jammu’s community since taking office.
The meeting follows a similar session in Srinagar on October 30. Attendees included Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Satish Sharma, Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, and senior officials from civil and police departments.
The event saw participation from various community representatives, including those from women’s groups, NGOs, Kashmiri Pandits, traders, tourism, and other sectors. Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his government’s dedication to inclusivity, stating, “We are committed to serving all citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of political beliefs. Our goal is to avoid regional divisions and promote equity.” He also emphasized the importance of appointing a Deputy Chief Minister from Jammu to ensure balanced governance.
The Chief Minister announced plans to revive the Darbar Move, calling it a symbol of unity between Jammu and Kashmir. He dismissed financial concerns over the practice, highlighting its significance for maintaining harmony between the two regions. Addressing Jammu’s limited tourism potential, Abdullah urged efforts to capture a larger share, particularly from the over one crore pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi annually.
He also unveiled plans for a cultural fair modeled after the Surajkund Mela to promote Jammu’s heritage and attract tourists. Abdullah acknowledged ongoing challenges such as the shortage of Punjabi teachers in schools and issues faced by Kashmiri Pandits, assuring his government would work on addressing these concerns. The Chief Minister also outlined progress on Smart City projects and promised further infrastructure development in both Jammu and Srinagar.
Commitment to regular civil society engagement was emphasized, with biannual meetings planned for continued dialogue. Abdullah assured that an action-taken report would be presented at the next session. The initiative was widely welcomed by participants, who viewed it as a step towards transparent governance and stronger government-citizen relations.
In his closing remarks, Abdullah thanked everyone for their valuable input, reinforcing the government’s commitment to better serve Jammu and Kashmir.
