Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 29: Criticizing the Omar-led Government earlier for “inadequate preparedness” ahead of snowfall, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) today toned down its stance, appreciating Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s on-ground supervision and efforts in “restoring” essential services across Kashmir.
In a statement, the KCCI expressed satisfaction with the administration’s efforts to restore essential services in the Kashmir Valley following recent adverse weather conditions.
The KCCI stated that it “appreciates” the personal and on-ground supervision of the CM, along with the contributions of MLAs, officials, including the Divisional Commissioner, and the field staff of the PDD and police, which “enabled the Government to restore power supply and clear stranded vehicles and traffic roads speedily.”
The statement comes after the National Conference’s (NC) State Spokesperson, Imran Nabi Dar, criticized the KCCI, questioning why such criticism was absent during the last five years “when the LG was in charge.”
“I welcome KCCI criticism of J&K Govt, despite disagreeing with their statement. This freedom to express opinions is a testament to @OmarAbdullah Govt’s commitment to dialogue. What’s puzzling, though, is why this criticism didn’t surface in the last five years when LG was in charge,” Dar wrote in a post on ‘X’.
The KCCI emphasized the importance of a quick response in “maintaining public confidence and preserving the economic and social fabric of the region”, especially in tourist destinations vital to the local economy.
“In the wake of snowfall across the region and initial challenges, the restoration of power supply was expedited, and roads, including those leading to key tourist spots, have been cleared,” the statement said.
“The KCCI commends the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for personally overseeing the situation during this crisis,” the statement added.
The chamber acknowledged the Government’s efforts in “managing the situation, ensuring that essential services were back in operation as quickly as could possibly be done.”
It further noted that, considering the conditions prevailing yesterday morning, “it looked like a long-drawn struggle for the administration to overcome it.”
The KCCI expressed hope that the responsiveness and commitment from the Government would continue. “Snowfall in winters is not a rarity, and we urge the administration to be fully prepared to tackle the situation.”
Earlier, on Saturday, the KCCI had expressed concern over the Government’s “inadequate preparedness” in responding to snowfall, which disrupted daily life, while highlighting “gaps” in winter management protocols.
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