Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 13: In a striking display of camaraderie and mutual respect, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah lavished praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel. The event, which marked a significant milestone in improving connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, also appeared to underscore the growing warmth between the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. Amid the harsh 40-day Chillaikalan season in Jammu and Kashmir with heavy snowfall, a different kind of thaw is taking place between Delhi and Srinagar. At the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared the stage for the first time, signaling a warming of relations. The occasion was marked by mutual admiration, with Omar Abdullah heaping praise on the Prime Minister, and Modi reciprocating with thoughtful remarks that highlighted their budding camaraderie. In his address, CM Omar Abdullah applauded PM Modi’s leadership, drawing attention to the Prime Minister’s efforts to bridge divides. "On Yoga Day, you spoke about ending the distance between hearts and between Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir," said Abdullah. “You have proven this with your work. You told the people of Jammu and Kashmir that elections would be held soon, and within four months, the promise was fulfilled. Now, our hearts tell us that Narendra Modi will soon restore the state’s status as well”. The Chief Minister went on to credit Mo At the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg, PM Modi and CM Omar Abdullah shared the stage for the first time The occasion was marked by mutual admiration, with Omar Abdullah heaping praise on the Prime Minister, and Modi reciprocating with thoughtful remarks. CM Omar Abdullah applauded PM Modi’s leadership, drawing attention to the Prime Minister’s efforts to bridge divides. The Chief Minister went on to credit PM Modi for establishing peace along the Pakistan border. i for establishing peace along the Pakistan border, emphasizing the significant strides made under his leadership. Speaking from the open stage, Abdullah noted, “The peace we see today is a result of your efforts, and for that, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are grateful.” The inauguration event also served as an opportunity for Abdullah to address past controversies and reaffirm his stance against terrorism. Referring to the terrorist attack on the Z-Morh tunnel, Abdullah spoke with conviction, calling the perpetrators “enemies of the nation.” He paid tribute to the workers and doctors who lost their lives in the attack, describing them as martyrs who sacrificed everything for the betterment of the country. “Terrorists will never succeed in their evil intentions,” Abdullah said, vowing that those who seek to disrupt the nation’s progress will ultimately fail. In a poignant moment, the Chief Minister thanked the Prime Minister for his longstanding relationship with Jammu and Kashmir. “You have an old and deep connection with this region,” he said. “We hope you continue to visit us, share in our joys, and strengthen the bond between us.” The mutual appreciation between Modi and Abdullah comes at a critical juncture. Abdullah’s remarks arrive against the backdrop of his recent skepticism about the INDIA alliance, where he questioned its unity and leadership. The event, therefore, was not only a celebration of infrastructure development but also a subtle political statement about Abdullah’s shifting priorities. |