SRINAGAR, Dec 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the Navyug tunnel, which connects Qazigund with Banihal on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, should be named in honor of the late Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Speaking with journalists, the J&K Chief Minister highlighted the significant contributions made by the late Prime Minister for Jammu and Kashmir.
“The four-laning of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was initiated during Dr. Manmohan Singh’s tenure. Today, the journey between Jammu and Srinagar is completed in just 5 hours, which is a testament to his work.”
He mentioned that the Navyug Tunnel ought to be officially renamed the Dr. Manmohan Singh tunnel. “While others may take credit for new tunnels on the highway, we must acknowledge that the development of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was initiated by the late Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.”
The Chief Minister referred to Dr. Manmohan Singh as a genuine statesman and remarked that his contributions to J&K will be cherished forever. “It was under Dr. Singh’s leadership that the Round Table Conference on Kashmir was convened, interlocutors were appointed, cross-LoC trade began, special scholarship schemes for J&K students were introduced, and significant measures were taken for the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, among other initiatives that catered to the needs of J&K residents.
He was a humble leader who rarely spoke of his accomplishments but will always be remembered as a true son of the soil,” he added. (KNO)
