Sonamarg, Jan 13: In a rare moment of camaraderie, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday shared friendly gestures with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, an ally of the opposition INDIA bloc.
The Prime Minister reassured the people of the Union Territory that he is committed to standing alongside them to clear all obstacles in the path of their aspirations.
During his visit to Sonamarg, Modi inaugurated the 6.5-km Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district, which aims to ensure year-round access to the hill resort situated along the 434-km Srinagar-Leh national highway.
This marks Modi’s inaugural visit to J&K since the formation of the Abdullah-led National Conference government in October of the previous year.
Upon taking the stage following the tunnel inauguration, Modi was gifted a famous Sozni shawl from Kashmir by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and received a papier-mâché painting from the Chief Minister.
Abdullah opened the session with an address to the large gathering, receiving warm applause from Modi, who shook hands with him before taking his seat near the Prime Minister.
In his remarks, the Chief Minister commended Modi for his endeavors to bridge the divide between “Dil (heart) and Delhi” and expressed optimism regarding the restoration of statehood, urging for timely assembly elections in the Union Territory.
Additionally, he acknowledged the Centre’s initiatives aimed at establishing peace along the J&K borders, noting the developmental benefits for remote regions like Machil, Gurez, Karnah, and Keran along the Line of Control. “It’s hard to imagine the number of tourists relishing the beauty of these areas,” he stated.
Modi frequently referred to the Chief Minister during his nearly thirty-minute speech, mentioning his eagerness after Abdullah shared a video and photographs of the Z-Morh tunnel on social media before its inauguration.
“The snowfall and stunning mountains are enough to warm hearts… As Abdullah pointed out, I’ve had a long association with this area, remembering my time as an ordinary BJP worker in Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Ganderbal, and Baramulla.
“I walked countless hours through the snow yet was always met with a warm welcome from the people, ensuring I never felt cold,” Modi expressed.
He also touched on the ‘Chilai-Kalan,’ the intense 40-day winter period nearing its conclusion, commending the locals for their bravery and hospitality towards tourists.
In his address, Modi reminisced about Abdullah’s participation in Kashmir’s inaugural International Marathon last October, which gained wide social media attention. “I personally congratulated him when we met in Delhi. He was brimming with enthusiasm.”
Abdullah made headlines by finishing the marathon with an impressive average pace of 5 minutes and 54 seconds per kilometer.
“The vision of a developed Bharat can only be realized when its crown is adorned with jewels. J&K is the crown of India, and I aim to enhance its beauty and prosperity,” Modi declared, expressing gratitude for the support from the people of J&K, both young and old, in his mission.
He emphasized that the residents are diligently working towards realizing their dreams and contributing to the region and nation’s development.
“I assure you that Modi will walk alongside you, overcoming any obstacles in your path. The distances have been bridged, and now we must collaborate to fulfill our aspirations and realize our goals,” the Prime Minister assured.
