Jammu, Jan 23: National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday called for addressing the alienation felt by traders in the Jammu region, saying the government under the leadership of Omar Abdullah is committed to taking transformative steps to achieve this goal.
Addressing a gathering at Yoga Ashram Katra, Dr Farooq reiterated the importance of ensuring that the local residents of Jammu and Kashmir benefit from the ongoing tourism and development in their region. He was accompanied by NC provincial president Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta and MLA Poonch Ajaz Jan.
The NC chief said, “The cornerstone of development is the creation of jobs, not just for the sake of it. The government led by Omar Abdullah is fully committed to working tirelessly towards achieving this goal. Our manifesto clearly outlines our vision and mission, which prioritizes ensuring that the people of Jammu and Kashmir receive maximum benefits from development initiatives. I am confident that the legitimate demands of the people of Katra will be addressed.”
He said the residents of Katra have always served devotees with open arms, and it is imperative that their interests are protected. “Under the leadership of Omar Sahib, the government will not allow any harm to come to the people of Katra. This is a government for the people, and serving the public interest is our top priority,” he said.
Appreciating the pluralistic traditions of the Jammu region, Dr Abdullah said Jammu presents a beautiful mosaic of religions and cultures. He said the government is dedicated to nurturing these traditions by promoting brotherhood and harmony among all groups and sects.
J&K National Conference does not view things through the lens of region, religion, or political affiliations, Dr Farooq said, adding, “Discrimination has no place within the NC and will not be tolerated at any level. It is not just Kashmir, but the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir that will move forward on the path of progress and development under the leadership of Omar Abdullah.”
Meanwhile, Farooq Abdullah surprised devotees on Thursday by singing a ‘bhajan’ dedicated to Mata Shera Wali. A video of his performance has gone viral on social media.
Abdullah also addressed the ongoing issue of the ropeway construction in Katra and said that those responsible for the operation of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine should avoid actions that cause problems for the people. “Tune mujhe bulaya Sherawaliye, main aaya main aaya Sherawaliye,” Abdullah sang, joining a singer and children at a ‘bhajan’ programme at an ashram in Katra. The video of the performance quickly went viral online.
‘Ensure efficient arrangements for Mehraj Ul Aalam’
Srinagar, Jan 23: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday urged the administration to ensure efficient arrangements for the upcoming Mehraj Ul Aalam observance.
In a statement issued here, Dr Abdullah emphasised the importance of the divisional administration providing devotees with all necessary facilities, including adequate electricity and sufficient water supply during the auspicious observance.
He urged the administration to make necessary arrangements at Asar e Shareef Hazrat Bal, Shah-e-Kalash Pora, Khiram Sirhama, Naqshband Sahab, Astan Aliya Imam Aalim Nayad Qadal, Dangar Pora Narwara, as well as other Khanqahs and shrines in Kashmir.
The NC chief called for the organization of round-the-clock transport services to all major shrines across the region. He stressed the need for cleanliness in and around the shrines, as well as the presence of ground staff to assist the devotees.
