NVI Correspondent
Jammu, Dec 11(NVI) : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah along with his cabinet ministers, today convened a significant meeting with prominent citizens of Jammu to listen to the grievances and order on the spot directions for redressal.
The gathering, which took place in a bid to foster communication between the leadership and local communities, saw discussions on various pressing issues, including governance, development, security, and socio-economic challenges facing Jammu people.
The meeting, which included influential leaders, social activists, business representatives and other key stakeholders from Jammu, served as a platform for open dialogue. “This is an opportunity for us to listen to the concerns of the people of Jammu and work towards addressing the challenges they face,” Omar stated during the session, stressing the importance of maintaining strong connections between the government and the people, particularly in such a transformative period for the region.
One of the prominent topics discussed was the impact of recent political changes following the revocation of Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Darbar Move demand dominated the session with majority of participants stating that Jammu has suffered immensely in absence of Darbar Move and that the practice should be restored.
The citizens also raised concerns about the economic development of Jammu, which they feel has been overshadowed by the focus on Kashmir. “Jammu has immense potential, especially in sectors like tourism, education and healthcare, but it’s been neglected in favor of the more politically prominent Kashmir region,” said a prominent businessman. “We need policies that equally benefit Jammu, ensuring that our people can thrive and not just survive.”
In response, Omar assured the attendees that his party, the National Conference (NC), remains committed to the development and prosperity of both Jammu and Kashmir. “Our focus is on inclusive growth for the entire region, ensuring that both Jammu and Kashmir are treated equally when it comes to resource allocation and governance,” he said. “We are here to listen, learn and most importantly, act on the feedback we receive from our people.”
Security concerns were also a point of discussion, with several participants highlighting the need for stronger measures to maintain peace and stability in the region. A retired security official, present at the meeting, pointed out that while security has improved in recent years, more needs to be done to ensure the safety of ordinary citizens. “We have made progress, but the evolving security landscape requires constant vigilance, especially in a region like ours,” he stated.
The meeting concluded with a strong sense of optimism, as both Omar and the attendees agreed that sustained dialogue is key to addressing the region’s challenges. “It’s critical that we continue engaging with the people and working together to overcome the difficulties we face,” Omar said in his closing remarks. “This is just the beginning of a much-needed conversation, and we will continue to prioritize the welfare of our people.”
Such meetings are part of Omar’s broader strategy to re-establish his political presence in Jammu and Kashmir, following the revocation of Article 370. They are also seen as a sign of the National Conference’s continued commitment to promoting inclusive governance and ensuring that all voices in the region are heard.(News Vibes of India)
