Urging Enhanced Security Ahead of Amarnath Yatra and Key Rail Link Inauguration
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, May 05: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday underscored the Centre’s commitment to safeguarding governance and developmental projects in the Union Territory despite the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, Abdullah as per Kashmir Despatch revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally emphasized ensuring the attack does not disrupt progress in the region.
While acknowledging the blow to J&K’s tourism sector, Abdullah called for a united effort to secure the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, stating, “The civil administration’s responsibilities must be fulfilled at any cost.”
He also hinted at the imminent inauguration of the long-delayed rail link to Kashmir, a project stalled by weather disruptions, asserting that its completion would “silence rumours and boost connectivity.”
CM Omar also urged officials to accelerate development works, budget implementation, and public service delivery. “Our performance in the next six months must be visible on the ground—not just in offices,” he said, directing departments to prioritize accountability and project execution ahead of the winter relocation to Jammu.
Reaffirming his administration’s focus, Abdullah stressed, “The people elected us to deliver. Whether it’s governance or development, we must control what we can.”* He announced regular review meetings to monitor progress on budget-approved initiatives, signaling a push to rebuild public confidence amid challenges.
The meeting saw the presence of Deputy CM Surinder Kumar Choudhary, multiple ministers, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and top police and bureaucratic officials, highlighting a cross-departmental push to stabilize the region’s trajectory.
Pertinently, Omar Abdullah called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi last week where he discussed various issues, including last week’s terror attack in Pahalgam.
This was the first meeting between the two leaders since the April 22 terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.
Last week In an emotional address to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vowed to defeat terrorism in the Union Territory. The Assembly also unanimously passed a resolution condemning the incident and pledging to thwart the designs of terrorists.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
