Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday paid tribute to the contributions of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, stating that Jammu and Kashmir must remember him for his significant efforts toward the region’s development.
He proposed naming the Banihal Navyug Tunnel after Dr. Manmohan Singh in recognition of his contributions.
Speaking to reporters, as reported by the news agency JKNS, Omar Abdullah said, It is unfortunate that even after Dr. Manmohan Singh’s passing, disputes persist. I will remember him solely in the context of Jammu and Kashmir.”
He said, Dr. Manmohan Singh did so much for Jammu and Kashmir. Perhaps there has never been a Prime Minister who contributed as much to this region.
“Consider the Jammu-Srinagar Highway—the four-laning project was approved by Dr. Manmohan Singh. He introduced a scholarship scheme allowing our boys and girls to study outside Jammu and Kashmir. The cross-LoC trade began during his tenure. The roundtable discussions for Jammu and Kashmir were initiated under his leadership, as were the appointment of interlocutors,” said the CM.
He said, Job reservations for Kashmiri Pandits and the construction of colonies for them in Jagti also occurred during his tenure.
He further added, Jammu and Kashmir gained immensely during his time, and we must remember him for that. He never sought recognition, and it doesn’t matter who takes the credit. What matters is that we remember his efforts.
“Now, we can travel between Jammu and Srinagar in just 4–4.5 hours. This is a gift from Dr. Manmohan Singh,” he said.
Referring to the two major tunnels on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, Omar added, one is named after Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, and that’s fine. But the new tunnel at Banihal should be named after Dr. Manmohan Singh because it is his contribution. I wish this tunnel, if the first was the Jawahar Tunnel, would be named after Dr. Manmohan Singh.—(JKNS)
