Srinagar, May 5 (UNI) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to ensure that the recent Pahalgam terror attack does not derail the ongoing governance and development process in Jammu and Kashmir.

Omar had called on the Prime Minister in New Delhi on May 3 to discuss key issues concerning the Union Territory, with a special focus on the April 22 terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.

Resuming office at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar after six months, Omar Abdullah, while chairing a review meeting, shared details of his recent discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The highest level in government of India wants to see that in no way should Pahalgam attack derail the process of governance and development in Jammu and Kashmir. That is our responsibility which we will have to take care of,” he stated.



Acknowledging the adverse impact of recent events on the tourism sector, the Chief Minister called for a collective effort to ensure a smooth Amarnath Yatra without any inconvenience to the pilgrims.

He emphasized that the civil administration has its own responsibilities which will have to fulfill at any cost.

On the much-anticipated rail-to-Kashmir project, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the inauguration—originally scheduled for April 19 but postponed due to inclement weather—would happen soon.

“The sooner we inaugurate the bridge and the train, the sooner the rumours will end and the rail will benefit us,” he said.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the efforts of the government should become visible in the coming six months in terms of governance, delivery of public services and overall improvement in functioning of the government across Jammu and Kashmir.



He stressed that governance must not remain confined to the Civil Secretariat or government offices alone.



The Chief Minister emphasized the need for start of development activities, implementation of budget announcements and efficient governance amid current challenges.



“After six months, we are back to Srinagar Civil Secretariat office. The environment in which we were hoping the offices would open, expecting normal business did not happen. It has been seen that if situation remains conducive and peaceful, it improves functioning of the government," CM said.



“We need now to focus on things that are under our control and work to ease the difficulties faced by common people,” the Chief Minister said in his opening address.



He directed officers to ensure that their efforts during this working season go beyond administrative offices.

“We do not have to restrict our working to the Civil Secretariat as was the case during budget session. Now is the good opportunity to see implementation of projects on the ground,” he stated.





Referring to the budget passed in the Legislative Assembly this year in March, CM said that while opinions may differ, the government’s obligation lies in its execution.

“But now it is our duty, that the budget that the assembly passed, the budget that this government brought to the assembly and got it approved, we will implement the budget decisions and review meetings shall be held with concerned departments and agencies," he remarked.



He concluded with a call for unity and purpose, “I am here only because I want to deliver something for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. That is my only aim, that is the aim of my colleagues. And I’m sure in that, your aim is the same as well.”



UNI MJR SJC