J&K CM Omar Abdullah sets up interface with Jammu’s civil society

Delegations of women’s organisations, ex-servicemen, Kashmiri Pandits and Sikh representatives, also attended the interaction

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday (December 11, 2024) adopted the bottom-up approach of governance by setting up an interface to meet civil society members in Jammu twice a year and set a timeline to address the governance issues.

In a rare gesture, Mr. Abdullah and his council of Ministers made themselves available to members of the civil society in Jammu at the official residence on Wazarat Road. Delegations of women’s organisations, ex-servicemen, Kashmiri Pandits and Sikh representatives, also attended the interaction.

“It was an honest and candid meeting. It has raised hopes among the business community in Jammu. Mr. Abdullah heard us patiently and promised to address the pressing issues. He promised to review these issues every six months and share action taken reports,” a senior Jammu-based businessman said.

The issues raised by members of civil society before the Chief Minister included problems faced by traders, tourism sector and industry in Jammu region. The members also called for restoring ‘Darbar Move’, an annual shifting of capital between Srinagar and Jammu in J&K, to flip business in Jammu.

“The direct train link to Srinagar, scheduled for next year, also is causing anxiety in Jammu. We want Jammu to be independently projected as a tourist destination by the government,” another businessman said.

On setting up an interface with civil society, Mr. Abdullah said: “It was important to take feedback on the decisions that the government takes and the civil society putting forward their suggestions. Such meetings will be organised twice a year,” Mr. Abdullah said.

‘Darbar Move’

The Chief Minister also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to restore the ‘Darbar Move’. “Some things cannot be weighed merely in financial terms. The Darbar Move symbolises the unity and inclusivity of J&K. It is a tradition that ensures governance remains accessible to both regions,” Mr. Abdullah said.

He dismissed financial arguments against this 150-year-old practice, which was stopped by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration. “The role of the government is not to focus solely on profit. Our responsibility is to serve and ensure balanced development across regions. Ending the Darbar Move would only alienate the people of the two regions from one another and harm the collective unity we strive to preserve,” the Chief Minister said.

Mr. Abdullah also warned against those elements “making attempts to play with emotions of Jammu after the elections and harping on the issue of regional divide, we have consistently prioritized inclusivity and equity.”

He also announced plans to establish a crafts and culture fair modelled on the Surajkund Mela, to showcase the region’s rich heritage and boost tourism.

He said that Smart City projects are nearing completion. “There is no scope for this government to do any course correction but we shall take new initiatives for Jammu and Srinagar, which aim to modernise the city’s infrastructure and enhance its liveability,” Mr. Abdullah added.

The government, he said, will resolve the shortage of Punjabi teachers in schools catering to Sikh children and address some of their genuine concerns.

Published - December 12, 2024 10:11 am IST