State Vision News Service Srinagar, Nov. 8 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the agenda of his government will be guided by the needs and aspirations of its citizens. Speaking during the last day of session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, the chief minister remarked on the historic significance of the gathering, noting both the agenda at hand and the achievements to come. It s been a long time since I last spoke in this House as Chief Minister, he began, reflecting on the changes in the region over the past six and a half years. He noted, It s been a long time since I last spoke in this House as Chief Minister. The last time was back in early 2014 during the Governor s address, and I spoke as a member of the opposition in 2018. Much has changed in these six and a half years sometimes, it feels hard to believe. We ve lost so much. Reflecting on where we were and where we are today, I often find it difficult to grasp.
The last time I stood here, we were a state with our own flag, our own constitution, and a unique identity within this country. All of that was taken away from us. While I regret what we ve lost, I am also filled with a renewed sense of commitment. With the time God has granted me in this position, I am determined to achieve something meaningful for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Thanking the voters of Jammu and Kashmir for their participation in the recent elections, Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his administration s dedication to serve all citizens, including those who did not vote or participate in the electoral process. This session marks a new beginning, a historic one, despite its limited timeframe. First and foremost, I want to thank the voters of Jammu and Kashmir, who participated in large numbers, regardless of whom they voted for. They cast their precious votes with the hope that this House would truly represent their aspirations, voice their concerns, and resolve their issues. This Assembly belongs to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, to each and every citizen. We are here to serve all, not just those who voted or participated in this election.
The people are our masters, and we owe them the respect of their decision . During the Motion of Thanks on Lieutenant Governor s Address, the chief minister stated that many doubted that these elections would even take place, or hoped that they wouldn t. There were times when it felt like the possibility of a democratically elected Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir was a distant dream. I still recall a film in which our Assembly complex was used as a set, and it was disheartening. Our Assembly complex, where elected representatives sat, was reduced to a storage facility. But time has changed, and God had other plans. Today, members have reclaimed their rightful seats in this Assembly, as they should. Reflecting on the challenges and moments of humiliation he and other leaders faced in recent years, Abdullah reminded the Assembly, A Contd. on page 2
