Farooq Abdullah Indicates Possible Delays in Train Service to the Valley
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Synopsis
Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, indicated that the train service to the Valley may be delayed by several months, with a potential start in April for the tourist season. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the completion of the USBRL project, igniting hopes for its operationalization.
Key Takeaways
- The train service to the Valley may experience delays.
- Completion of the USBRL project has been confirmed.
- Abdullah emphasizes the government's independence from external pressures.
- Concerns raised over the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.
- Calls for a revival of the SAARC vision.
Jammu, Jan 22 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and current President of the National Conference (NC), Farooq Abdullah, mentioned on Wednesday that the train service to the Valley may face a delay of several months, potentially commencing in April coinciding with the start of the tourist season.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated in December 2024 that the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, initiated in 1997 to connect Kashmir with the rest of the nation, has reached completion.
Railway officials have conducted multiple trial runs across various sections, including the Katra-Srinagar track, and completed the required inspections by Commissioner of Railway Safety, Northern Circle, Dinesh Chand Deshwal, last month, igniting optimism for the early launch of the service.
When questioned about the criticisms directed at the government by a Congress leader, Abdullah responded that the government is aware of its responsibilities.
“The government will operate in its own way. No one can dictate terms to the government,” he stated.
In response to remarks from the PDP suggesting that the NC government shifted its focus from Article 370 to statehood, Abdullah advised the rival party to engage in self-reflection before making accusations against his party.
"Inform the PDP that they are accountable for the abrogation of Article 370. We cautioned Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the PDP founder, against collaborating with the BJP for government formation. Despite our repeated requests, he proceeded with it alongside Congress and other parties,” the NC president asserted.
When asked about the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, he humorously remarked, “When it aligns with the will of the Almighty.”
Regarding the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, who marked 35 years in exile on January 19, Abdullah noted that the BJP has governed J&K for the last decade, questioning how many migrant families were rehabilitated during this time.
He pointed out that the BJP had promised 50,000 jobs for unemployed youth, but no inquiries were made about the jobs they provided over the past 10 years, while the National Conference, which just assumed power three months ago, has five years to deliver on its commitments, including job creation.
Abdullah also expressed concern over the media's silence regarding the alleged misuse of the central government by the BJP during elections.
“I urge the media to eliminate hatred from their reporting and strive to promote love. If we persist in spreading animosity, we cannot safeguard the country,” he advised.
When asked about a recent incident involving a Bangladeshi national attacking Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan in Mumbai, Abdullah condemned such actions and wished him a swift recovery.
“Maharashtra is a prosperous state attracting many for employment. How many individuals from our state earn a living in Mumbai? It is the financial hub of India. Blaming an entire nation for the actions of one individual is unjust.
“Remember the incidents in Canada and the U.S. where India was wrongfully blamed? One person’s actions do not represent a nation… Indira Gandhi envisioned SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) akin to the European Union, aiming for collaborative progress among neighboring countries. A revival of this vision is essential,” he emphasized.
