Roads to new beginnings

The Z-Morh tunnel which was opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday is an important infrastructure project in Jammu and Kashmir. The 6.5 km-long tunnel in Ganderwal’s Sonamarg area, built at a cost of Rs 2,700 crore and completed over three years, has made an important tourism spot accessible round the year. The project had languished for a long time after its foundation stone was laid during the UPA government’s term in 2012. It has also got strategic importance. Last week, the Prime Minister virtually inaugurated the Jammu railway division, and he is expected to flag off the Delhi-Srinagar Vande Bharat train on Republic Day. The Central government has paid much attention to infrastructure development in Kashmir, especially after the abrogation of Article 370. There is a major road development plan being undertaken for the UT. The government has also taken efforts to encourage tourism development which has been the mainstay of Kashmir’s economy.

The Prime Minister declared the government’s commitment to improve the infrastructure and promote the development of Kashmir. He said: “It’s time for all of us to realise our dreams, and make resolutions and accomplishments together”. Omar Abdullah’s National Conference government has acted in concert with the Central government. The UT’s government does not have much power or resources at its command, especially after the elected government’s powers were cut down before the elections. Omar Abdullah has worked within these limitations and has not been seen to be on a path of confrontation with the Centre. On Monday, he and Prime Minister Modi were seen to vibe well together. While Omar may have realised that a non-confrontational relationship with the Centre is beneficial, some of his comments have caused discomfort in the Opposition and sections of his own party. His recent comment on the I.N.D.I.A bloc, of which the National Conference is still a member, even gave rise to doubts about the political intentions behind it.

The most important issue the UT faces since its formation, and particularly after the Assembly elections, is the restoration of its statehood. The Centre has promised to the people and the nation, and to the Supreme Court, that Kashmir’s statehood would be restored. Omar Abdullah has mentioned it a few times, and did so on Monday. But the Prime Minister did not go beyond a vague statement that the “right things will happen at the right time”. It is unfortunate that the Centre is continuing with its dilly-dallying on such an important issue.