Elected Govt yet to regain control of key institutions: CM

Shafat Malik
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15 Dec 2025

Srinagar, Dec 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday expressed concern over the delay in restoring several key institutions to the elected government, saying the issue required serious attention. Speaking to reporters at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), the Chief Minister said that despite personally holding the Power portfolio, the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (PDC) had not yet been handed back to the elected dispensation. Institutions that were earlier under the control of an elected government must be restored without any further delay, he said. Responding to reports of interference by legislators in power projects in the Jammu division, Omar said such projects were of national importance and should not be subjected to any form of obstruction. “These projects are not meant only for Jammu and Kashmir but for the entire country, and no interference should be permitted anywhere,” he said. The Chief Minister said that while public discussion had centred on one MLA, interference was being reported at several project sites in Kishtwar district. He alleged that two opposition MLAs were interfering in almost every project there and stressed that executing agencies must be allowed to function independently. Commenting on the recent terror attack in Australia, Omar said the killing of innocent people was deeply unfortunate and added that no religion in the world sanctions the brutal killing of civilians. He praised the courage of a civilian who risked his life to overpower an armed attacker and seize his weapon, saying the act helped prevent further loss of life. “It is a tragic incident and it should not have happened,” he added. On the tourism sector, the Chief Minister said the revival of tourist activity was closely linked to weather conditions. In the absence of adequate snowfall in key destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg, he said, quality tourist arrivals were likely to remain affected. He said the government was making every possible effort, including strengthening infrastructure and intensifying promotional campaigns. Omar added that Kashmir would soon host the annual convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India, along with several other initiatives aimed at boosting tourism. Speaking on airfare regulation, the Chief Minister said ticket capping had failed across the country and that despite clear directions issued by the Government of India to regulate airfares following the grounding of an airline, prices continued to remain high. “We are also victims of this situation, but as of now there is no solution,” he said.