Z-Morh (Sonamarg), Srinagar, October 04 (Scoop News) – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Thursday reiterated the necessity of addressing political issues of Jammu and Kashmir stressing on initiation of Centre-State internal dialogue.
“While we have to negotiate various challenges on development front and deal with militancy related issues, we have to focus on addressing political issues of the State simultaneously”, he said adding that he is advocating this aspect continuously for the larger interest of the Country and the State. He said that the dialogue process between Centre and the State should resume like restoration of Indo-Pak talks.
Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of Z-Morh tunnel on Srinagar-Leh National Highway between Gagangir and Sonamarg this afternoon, the Chief Minister said that his grandfather Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Jawaharlal Nehru, Sheikh Sahib and Mrs. Indira Gandhi and his father Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Rajiv Gandhi joined hands to resolve political and development issues pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir and he himself is working towards this goal.
Omar Abdullah expressed the hope that UPA Government would focus on accelerating the process of addressing Jammu and Kashmir centric issues and initiate Centre-State internal dialogue to help strengthen the bonds with the Country and ensure holistic development and welfare of the people in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. “This would also help in strengthening better State-Centre ties, unity and love between all regions of Jammu and Kashmir and permanent peace and progress in the region”, he added.
Expressing gratitude to Union Government for actively responding to the demand of the State Government for boring tunnels at Z-Morh and Zojila Pass to ensure all weather, safe connectivity and faster communication to Ladakh region, he expressed confidence that Union Government will show similar gesture regarding other proposed tunnels at Razdan Pass in Gurez, Sadhana Pass in Tangdar, Kishtwar-Violo tunnel, tunnels on Mughal Road and other roads to help linking of remote and cut-off areas. The Chief Minister appreciated Border Roads Organization for working in extreme conditions to keep highways pliable in the State especially during winter.
The Chief Minister said that the construction of tunnels and well-nit road connectivity is of greater significance for a hilly State like Jammu and Kashmir where remoteness and difficult terrain hampers development and economic growth besides putting the people under hardships during winter months.
Omar Abdullah said that the coalition government has flagged road connectivity as one of the most important concerns in the development policy adding that focused attention is being given to this sector to open up unconnected and far-flung areas.
The Chief Minister underlining the importance of 4-laning of Pathankote- Srinagar, Srinagar-Uri and Srinagar-Leh National Highways, he said that the prestigious projects taken in hand to achieve this target require fast tracking of work to ensure timely completion. He said that while construction of Z-Morh tunnel is a significant step towards upgrading the status of
Srinagar-Leh National Highway and making journey easy and fast the construction of Zojila tunnel is imperative to make Ladakh accessible throughout the year.Omar Abdullah expressed the hope that the construction of 13 kilometer long 2-lane Zojila tunnel will be taken in hand as early as possible. He also hoped that the 2-lane 6.5 kilometer long Z-Morh tunnel will be constructed on fast track and completed within the fixed time frame.
The Chief Minister welcomed Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Dr. C. P. Joshi and General Secretary Indian National Congress, (INC) Rahul Gandhi for being present on the foundation laying ceremony of Z-Morh Tunnel.
Speaking on the occasion Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Dr. C. P. Joshi said that the foundation of Zojila Tunnel will be laid next year adding that the Union Government would provide all help to the State in its development strategy.
Dr. Joshi said that his ministry would continue to work for upgrading State’s road network to ensure comprehensive development in all fields. He said that all of us have to work to strengthen the Country and universalize development in all the areas.
In his address Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah expressed gratitude to the Centre Government for extending full support to the State of Jammu and Kashmir in the development process.