Highlights efforts on governance, land protection, and press freedom
SRINAGAR, JAN 02 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said his government was committed to fulfilling election promises while stating key governance priorities, including statehood restoration, land protection, and press freedom.
In his first press conference since assuming office, Omar Abdullah stressed the importance of staying true to the pledges made during elections. “We received the electorate’s support based on our promises. We are committed to fulfilling them and have not backtracked. A good beginning has been made,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the establishment of a National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Pulwama, the Chief Minister stated, “We are committed to protecting agricultural land. If the people of Pulwama do not want the NIT in their district, we are ready to shift it to another location. Other districts are keen to host the institute.”
The Chief Minister also highlighted his government’s resolutions for restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and identity, passed in the first cabinet and assembly sessions. “We are aware of the promises we made with the people. Restoring statehood and reversing certain policies were among our priorities,” he added.
Omar Abdullah expressed his dissatisfaction with the limited powers of a Chief Minister in a Union Territory. “No CM in a Union Territory is as empowered as one in a state,” he remarked, while reiterating hope for early statehood restoration.
The Chief Minister further assured support for press freedom, saying, “We want the media to work freely without any pressures,” and urged the press to voice public concerns.
