Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he fulfilled his promise of holding elections in the Union Territory.
During the inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel, Omar Abdullah said, “PM Modi, after forming the government for the third time, participated in the International Yoga Day in Srinagar, where people were promised to hold elections and choose their government. You fulfilled this promise, and elections were held within four months. A new government was formed, and today I am talking to you as the Chief Minister.”
He said that people participated enthusiastically in the elections and there were no complaints of rigging or misuse of power from anywhere.
“Prime Minister, you had also promised to give statehood to Jammu and Kashmir again. People keep asking me about this, and I remind them that PM Modi kept his promise of holding elections. I am confident that this promise will also be fulfilled soon, and Jammu and Kashmir will again become a state of this country,” Omar added.
Omar said that due to the efforts of Prime Minister Modi, the peace process in the border areas has benefited a lot. Be it Machil, Gurez, Karnah or Keran, people of these areas are now taking advantage of development and tourism as more tourists are coming here.
The Chief Minister also said that with the opening of Sonamarg Tunnel, people of upper areas will no longer need to go to the plains, because road connectivity will be available throughout the year.
He remembered seven civilians involved in the Zed-Morh tunnel construction project, who were killed by terrorists in Gagangir last year.
Inauguration of Z-Morh Tunnel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the 6.5 km long Zed-Morh Tunnel in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, which will now make the Sonamarg tourist destination accessible throughout the year.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were present along with Prime Minister Modi during the inauguration.
This 6.5 km long two-lane tunnel connecting Gangangir and Sonmarg has been built at a cost of over ₹2,700 crore.
This tunnel also includes a 7.5 meter wide emergency escape route.