Omar congratulates PM on 12 years in office

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 12 uninterrupted years in office, describing the milestone as a significant achievement.

Omar, who is currently visiting New Delhi, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed a range of issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir, including the early restoration of statehood, economic growth, developmental initiatives, and the promotion of tourism in the Union Territory.

The meeting took place close on the heels of an INDIA bloc meeting at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi on June 8. During the meeting, Omar is learnt to have sought the alliance’s support for the restoration of J&K statehood and invited opposition leaders to a planned demonstration in the capital.

In Srinagar, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said his party will not invite any political party from Jammu and Kashmir to join its protest in Delhi for restoration of statehood. “Whoever wants to join the protest can do so. We are not going to anyone with a (begging) bowl,” Abdullah told reporters. The National Conference had earlier announced its decision to stage a protest in New Delhi demanding restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament.

Following the meeting with the Prime Minister, Omar said he discussed several matters of importance to Jammu and Kashmir with the Prime Minister, including the early return of statehood, the condition of the economy, the pace of development and measures to further boost tourism in the region.

In a post on X, the Office of the Chief Minister posted, “The Chief Minister called on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today and discussed key issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir, including the early restoration of statehood, state of the economy and the pace of development. The Chief Minister also highlighted the need for continued support from the Government of India to accelerate economic growth, strengthen connectivity, generate employment, expand infrastructure and enhance public welfare across Jammu & Kashmir.”