EU lauds Omar as role model for young politicians

CM briefs Commission about priorities, asks to withdraw travel advisories

Jammu, February 28  – The European Union Commission has lauded the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as a role model for young Indian politicians and Indians abroad and appreciated his vision on development of Jammu & Kashmir.

A delegation of the Commission led by Daniele Smadja, Head of the European Union Commission, called on Mr. Abdullah here this afternoon and had a 90 minute long interaction with him.

Other members of the Commission include Lars-Olof Lindgren, Ambassador of Sweden, Bruce Bourdon, Political Counsellor, Embassy of France, Ion de la Riva, Ambassador of Spain and Jan Kreuter, Deputy Head of the Mission in Embassy of the Czech Republic.

            “You are being seen as someone who can change the life of people in Jammu and Kashmir’, the Commission members told the Chief Minister informing him that there was a great support and goodwill for him in the European Union.

            The Commission praised the Chief Minister as a dynamic leader who was looked upon by young politicians in the country as their role model. His prompt response to the issues of public interest was also highly appreciated.

            Welcoming the Commission, the Chief Minister sought cooperation of the European Union in capacity building in Jammu and Kashmir to address the unemployment problem and increase the employability of the youth in the job-market for. He also sought closer partnership of European Union in the development of Small and Medium Entrepreneurship (SME) adding that this sector has a greater potential to flourish in Jammu and Kashmir and generate employment for thousands of youth. He said enhancing this sector even by 25 percent would generate 4 lakh to 5 lakh jobs for young men and women.

The Chief Minister asked the Commission members to use their influence for withdrawing the travel advisories for Jammu & Kashmir issued by some European countries as the situation in the State had significantly improved. He highlighted the importance of tourist industry in the economy of Jammu and Kashmir and urged the Commission to work for sending more tourists to the State both for conventional and adventure tourism. 

Referring to the recently held Assembly Elections, the Chief Minister said that people of Jammu and Kashmir have reposed their faith in democracy and their participation in large numbers in the electoral process has put great responsibility on the Government to come up to their expectations.

            Mr. Abdullah apprised the Commission about his priorities and said that the coalition Government has an agenda to ensure equitable development of all the regions and areas of the State irrespective of any consideration of region or religion. He said both National Conference and Congress do not believe in divisive politics and represent all the geographical areas of the State in the Legislature.  He said upgrading basic amenities and strengthening health, education, PHE and power sectors were receiving priority in the development process.