JAMMU, DECEMBER 11, 2024: In a significant move towards strengthening ties with the people of Jammu, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held an extensive interaction with members of Jammu’s civil society at his official residence on Wazarat Road. This marked his first direct meeting with Jammu’s civil society since assuming office. Earlier, a similar outreach session had taken place in Kashmir on October 30, 2024.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized that his government represents all citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of political affiliations. He responded to concerns about regional bias by stating, “This government is not just for those who voted for the National Conference; it is the government of every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite efforts by some to create division, we remain committed to inclusivity, equity, and balanced development across both regions.”
The Chief Minister also highlighted his decision to appoint a Deputy Chief Minister from Jammu, reinforcing the message that Jammu is as integral to this government as Kashmir. “This was not a decision made out of compulsion but a clear signal that Jammu holds equal importance in our governance framework,” he added.
A key point of discussion was the Darbar Move, a long-standing tradition of shifting the state’s administrative offices between Jammu and Srinagar. Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his commitment to reviving the Darbar Move, describing it as a symbol of unity and inclusivity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Some traditions cannot be measured in financial terms. The Darbar Move ensures that governance remains accessible to both regions, strengthening our collective identity and promoting unity,” he said, dismissing financial objections to the practice.
The meeting also addressed several key issues raised by civil society, including Jammu’s underutilized tourism potential. “Over one crore pilgrims visit Mata Vaishno Devi annually, yet we have barely tapped into 15% of the potential this brings for the region’s economy. We need to leverage this opportunity to diversify Jammu’s economy,” said the Chief Minister. He announced plans to establish a Craft & Culture Fair, inspired by the Surajkund Mela, to showcase Jammu’s rich heritage and attract more tourists.
In addition, Omar Abdullah highlighted several ongoing initiatives, including the completion of Smart City projects in Jammu and Srinagar. He assured the public that the focus would remain on modernizing city infrastructure and improving livability. The government also plans to address the shortage of Punjabi teachers in schools serving Sikh children and resolve various challenges faced by the Kashmiri Pandit community.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of regular dialogue with civil society, pledging to hold biannual interactions in both Jammu and Kashmir. “These meetings are not just about addressing concerns during crises, but about maintaining continuous communication with the people. By our next meeting, we will present an action-taken report on the issues discussed today,” he assured.
Omar Abdullah expressed gratitude to the participants, thanking them for their valuable insights and feedback. “These interactions are crucial for our governance. They give us a chance to hear your thoughts and improve our policies,” he said.
In his closing remarks, the Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to transparent and inclusive governance, and expressed hope that these engagements would foster stronger, more cooperative ties between the government and the people it serves.
Civil society representatives hailed the initiative as a positive step towards fostering trust and building stronger relationships between the administration and the people, and praised the Chief Minister for his proactive approach to governance.