Asserts no NC MLA will defect to BJP; says 25,000 jobs in pipeline
Tangmarg, May 06: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday hinted at a strong political message he plans to deliver after Eid, saying he was holding himself back as the occasion did not permit a political address.
Speaking at a function in Tangmarg, CM Omar, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said he restrained himself from making political remarks due to the academic setting. “Trust me, I want to burst like a cloudburst,” he said, adding that he will address a public gathering after Eid where he plans to speak in detail.
Abdullah said youth remain central to the future of Jammu and Kashmir, and the government is working to prepare them for emerging challenges. He said efforts are underway to strengthen education, expand job opportunities and improve economic prospects.
Highlighting gaps in higher education, the CM said the lack of adequate private universities forces students to move outside the Union Territory. He added that families spend thousands of crores on education outside, often facing uncertainty during crises in countries like Bangladesh and Iran.
“The government has already passed a Private University Bill and is framing rules to facilitate the establishment of institutions within Jammu and Kashmir,” Omar said. He expressed hope that areas like Tangmarg could attract such universities due to their environment and climate.
On employment, the Chief Minister said the government has set a target to provide between 20,000 and 25,000 jobs this year. He acknowledged that government jobs alone cannot address unemployment and stressed the need to promote self-employment.
Omar referred to initiatives like Mission Yuva, which aim to ease access to loans for youth starting businesses in sectors such as retail, workshops and tourism. He said skill development programmes are being expanded to match market needs.
The long-term goal, the CM said, is to build a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir with a strong local economy. He said the government wants to create opportunities within the region so that dependence on the Centre reduces over time.
Addressing political developments, Abdullah dismissed reports of defections from the National Conference. He said no MLA from his party would switch sides to support the BJP and termed such claims baseless.
He accused the Peoples Democratic Party of having supported the BJP during Rajya Sabha elections, saying the matter had already been established through information obtained under the Right to Information.
Omar asserted that his government functions independently. “When I have to say something, I say it. Neither am I silent, nor is my government silent,” he said.
On tourism, the CM said the issue was discussed in the assembly, and several locations have already been opened. The remaining destinations will be opened in a phased manner, he added.
Responding to a query on cabinet expansion, the Chief Minister said a decision would be taken at an appropriate time. “If we have to do it, we will do it,” he said. (KNO)
