Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir must be granted statehood without further delay, calling it the rightful demand of the people who have been waiting for its restoration.
Speaking at the National Tribal Festival in Gurez, Abdullah reminded that the Supreme Court, during its hearing on Article 370 last year, also acknowledged the restoration of statehood as a matter of priority.
“Statehood is the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and it must be restored at the earliest,” he said.
He also highlighted the significance of organizing the festival close to the Line of Control (LoC), saying that holding such events openly with enthusiasm demonstrates the cultural richness of the region, even in the face of adversity.
Addressing the potential of border tourism, the Chief Minister noted that while peace is a prerequisite, there are concrete plans to promote tourism in border areas of both Jammu and Kashmir. “Border tourism can play a significant role in reducing unemployment and boosting the local economy, especially in remote regions,” he said, as reported by the news agencies
