‘We are not among those who betray’
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Nov 7: Referring to the resolution passed by the Assembly on special status for J&K, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that they wanted to proceed in a way that would compel the Centre to hold a dialogue with the Government and not overlook it.
Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone for the Paribal-Takanwari Bridge over Nallah Sindh in Ganderbal, Omar said that when the resolution was not brought up on the first day, some said the Government had forgotten about it.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
“On the first day, when it wasn’t done, discussions went on saying that the Government had forgotten, that the Government resorted to betrayal, but we are not among those who betray. The difference is that we know the rules and norms. We know how to bring things through the Assembly,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the Government wanted such a voice to come out of the Assembly that the Centre could not dare to overlook. “Otherwise, we would have brought a resolution on day one, which would have been thrown in the dustbin.”
He added that the Government wanted a voice to emerge that would compel the Centre to talk with them. “That voice was raised yesterday by passing the resolution stating what we want and what we would achieve.” Click here to watch video
Recalling his election campaigning, the CM said: “I used to tell you that we have to send a message that what happened to us (referring to August 5, 2019 decision) is not acceptable to us, and that it was done without our consultation.”
He also referenced the LG’s speech in the Assembly on the day first, stating that it had included all the promises made to the people. “We wanted to make you understand that those were not just promises.”
The CM told the gathering that they had done their job, and for the next five years, “we will do the work.” Omar also stated that the people of Ganderbal would not have to come to Srinagar to meet him.
“We will operate Dak Banglow Fathepora, where I will meet you. Once a week, Nasir will be there, and I will also try to be there once a week.”
He thanked the people for making him victorious in the Assembly elections. “I had urged you to keep my honor, and I told you I wanted to work for you. You side-lined the propaganda and made me victorious; for this, I am indebted to you for life.”
The CM also made note of the changes made in the academic calendar, saying, “Deciding the timing was our right, but it was snatched after 2019. We decided on our own with consultations and made the changes.”
It is to be noted that the bridge for which the foundation was laid is a 50-meter, single-span steel-trussed girder bridge with a 7.5-meter-wide carriageway. It is part of the NABARD RIDF-XXIX initiative and will connect Paribal to Takanwari.
Once completed, the bridge will reduce the travel distance between Shallabugh and Batamaloo to 15 kilometers from the current 35-kilometer route through Duderhama-Beebhama-Ganderbal.
The bridge project, with a budget of Rs 1509.95 lakh, includes a 1.7-kilometer approach road and is expected to be completed within three years.
This new route will not only improve mobility but is expected to boost economic growth and open development opportunities in the region.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, DDC Chairperson Nuzhat Ishfaq, Vice Chairperson Bilal Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner Shyambir, Chief Engineer of R&B, and other district officials, underscoring the project’s significance for Ganderbal.
Addressing a large gathering at Paribal Sherpathri, the CM, who also serves as the Member of Legislative Assembly for the Ganderbal Constituency, reaffirmed his commitment to uplifting Ganderbal’s infrastructure.
“I have come here not with empty hands, but with a commitment to uplift Ganderbal,” he said, expressing gratitude for the community’s trust and pledging responsive, community-centered governance.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the bridge aligns with the promises outlined in the party’s manifesto, fulfilling a long-standing demand of Ganderbal’s residents.
“The Paribal-Takanwari Bridge is more than just a structure; it represents the start of a new development phase for Ganderbal,” he added.
The district president of the National Conference highlighted local issues, such as the need for a CT scan facility at the District Hospital, the completion of the Gunzham Bridge, and road-widening projects from Nagbal to Wayil.
The CM’s Advisor congratulated the people of Ganderbal and assured them that the administration would promptly address their grievances and infrastructure needs. He also stressed the Government’s dedication to addressing youth employment and other social issues in the district.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
