June 27, 2025: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Thursday that discussions on restoring statehood to the Union Territory should be concluded soon so that people can get what they have been demanding.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a special national integration camp organised by the Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh NCC Directorate here, Abdullah also lauded the sanctioning of several projects for the Union Territory.
“Let there be discussions, it is a good thing. But we would want the discussions to conclude soon, so that we get what we are demanding,” he said.
The chief minister said that the approval of projects for Jammu and Kashmir, including tunnels, worth Rs 10,600 crore will give the Union Territory a huge boost. Since the Mughal Road was finished in 2008-09, there has been a long-standing demand for a tunnel. People wanted the road to remain open throughout the year. Similarly, there was a long-pending demand for a tunnel on the Sadhna pass to connect Tangdhar that has been approved.
“Many other projects have been approved,” the chief minister said, adding that Rs 10,600 crore is not a nominal amount. “Now, we will have to try for some more tunnels, like in Gurez, which have been left out,” he said.
The National Conference (NC) leader said youngsters who associate themselves with the National Cadet Corps (NCC) benefit immensely.
“It inculcates discipline, self-awareness, self-confidence and patriotism, as well as leads to relationships that benefit them lifelong,” he said.
Abdullah said these youngsters can achieve a lot.
“Ten NCC cadets scaled the highest mountain peak in the world, two of them were from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh — a boy from the Kathua area of Jammu and a girl from Ladakh. This is a major accomplishment. “Sitting atop the highest mountain peak in the world at the age of 18 shows the discipline and self-confidence they acquire after joining the NCC,” he said.
“I want more youngsters to join the NCC. The chief minister stated, "I hope they enjoy their time here and that when they return home, they tell their friends, neighbors, and relatives to visit Kashmir on vacation." An official spokesperson said Abdullah called upon the NCC cadets from across the country to serve as ambassadors of peace, unity and harmony by sharing their positive experiences of Jammu and Kashmir with people in their home states.
According to the chief minister, the presence of the young cadets from various regions of the country was a "morale booster" for the locals. The 12-day camp aims to promote national integration and cultural exchange among youngsters.
“I urge you to go back and be our ambassadors. Tell your families, friends and communities about the Jammu and Kashmir you saw — the warmth of its people, the beauty of its culture and the reality beyond headlines,” Abdullah said.
Referring to the April 22 terror attack in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives, the chief minister said this year has “brought us pain we hoped never to experience again”.
“But even in our darkest hours, there is hope. He went on to say, "Every tunnel has a light at the end of it." Emphasising the importance of continued engagement with Kashmir, Abdullah urged the NCC authorities to organise future camps that include travel by train.
“Let cadets witness the incredible engineering marvels that connect the valley to the rest of the country. He stated, "It will be a journey of inspiration." Reflecting on his own school days, the NC leader spoke about the enduring value of bonds formed during such camps.
“When you live, travel, perform and share experiences together, you build relationships that last a lifetime. They are priceless, so cherish them,” he advised. The chief minister recalled the opening phrase of the Constitution, "We, the People of India," to emphasize the strength of India's unity in diversity. “We are united not despite our differences, but because of them. Our real strength lies in our togetherness,” he said.
“These integration camps are not just about training or cultural showcases. They symbolise the living spirit of India — an unbreakable emotional and physical bond among its people. As long as we nurture this spirit, no adversary can weaken us,” Abdullah asserted.