SRINAGAR, Jan 26: On Sunday, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir has long been regarded as the “crown and soul of India,” and reiterated his determination to foster peace, prosperity, and development within the region.
Choudhary made these remarks during the Republic Day ceremony held at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where he hoisted the national flag and reviewed the parade.
“Jammu and Kashmir stands out for its unparalleled beauty, rich culture, and historical significance, making it the crown and soul of India,” stated the Deputy Chief Minister.
“We are committed to championing the peace, prosperity, and development of Jammu and Kashmir,” he affirmed.
He further mentioned that the government will be instrumental in ensuring justice for the populace.
“The residents of Jammu and Kashmir are celebrated for their industry, warmth, and camaraderie, yet they have faced numerous challenges in recent years, particularly after the transition of the state into a Union Territory in 2019,” he said, adding that “this has fostered a sense of dissatisfaction among the people.”
“The people’s request for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir must be addressed,” he implored. He recalled that the Prime Minister had pledged to restore statehood and urged that this promise be fulfilled promptly.
“On this occasion, we call upon the central government to reinstate statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, which will not only restore the people’s self-confidence but also pave the way for development while strengthening peace and democratic processes,” he added.
Choudhary encouraged the public to commit to enhancing India’s beauty and empowering Jammu and Kashmir in all aspects.
The Deputy Chief Minister noted that the commitments made by the previous Omar Abdullah administration will be honored progressively.
He stated that the promises made by their government will be accomplished one by one.
“The recent elections saw a significant voter turnout, with people placing their trust in us based on our commitments. We are dedicated to fulfilling all those promises sequentially, with our government working diligently towards their realization,” he noted.
He mentioned that issues such as increased ration distribution, job creation, and other concerns would be addressed soon, as the elected government is actively pursuing them around the clock.
Regarding the return of Kashmiri Pandits, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed that every individual across J&K is affected by the community’s exodus, but the government is striving to facilitate their return.
“We are committed to this cause, and our continuous efforts will yield positive results shortly,” he asserted.
