Says J&K moving towards lasting peace & development Assures Omar-led govt committed to fulfil all promises ‘Education sector going through major revamp’ Srinagar, Jan 26: Sending out a strong message of confidence and normalcy, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday invited both global and domestic tourists to visit Jammu and Kashmir, assuring them of safety, warmth and communal harmony, while asserting that the Valley is firmly on the path of lasting peace. Addressing a massive gathering after unfurling the tricolour at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, on the eve of Republic Day, Choudhary appealed to visitors from across India and abroad to return to Kashmir and experience its natural beauty and hospitality. “Come and enjoy our beautiful valleys and meadows. You will feel at home and witness our hospitality and communal harmony,” he said, adding that attempts to damage the tourism sector will not succeed. Referring to the setback caused by the Pahalgam attack, he said Pakistan has inflicted deep wounds on Kashmir, but its ploys will no longer work as the people and security forces stand united. In his 32-minute address, the Deputy Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir has moved far ahead on the path of development despite decades of violence and uncertainty. He said the Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to fulfilling all promises made to the people and is focused on strengthening health, education and skill development, with a vision to make J&K the skill capital of North India. Choudhary highlighted major initiatives in the education sector, including the construction of a 300-bed, five-storey hostel at Kashmir University, the setting up of new colleges and hotels, and the overall upgradation of institutions. He said Jammu University’s NAAC accreditation and Kashmir University securing NAAC A++ grades reflect the growing strength of the education ecosystem, while research and emerging fields such as nano-technology are increasingly taking the lead in colleges. Referring to urban transformation, he said the Srinagar Smart City project has reshaped the city with the beautification of the Jhelum Riverfront and renovation of the historic Clock Tower and Polo View. He added that 200 electric buses have already been introduced to strengthen public transport, with another 200 set to be added soon. He also said the government has revamped roads across Jammu and Kashmir, including rural areas, to improve connectivity. On welfare measures, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government has implemented widow pensions, carried out labour law reforms, regularised around 6,000 watermen and remains committed to the regularisation of daily wagers. Paying rich tributes to the security forces, Choudhary hailed the police and other forces for fighting terrorism for the past 35 years and making priceless sacrifices to ensure peace. He cautioned that while terrorism has been pushed back, the challenge has evolved, with drug mafias posing a serious threat to the younger generation. “Your fight is not over; it has intensified,” he said, underlining the need for continued vigilance. Srinagar, Jan 26: Expressing confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will fulfil their commitment to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Monday said the assurance given on the floor of Parliament would be honoured soon. Speaking to reporters after paying tributes at the Balidan Stambh in Srinagar on the occasion of Republic Day, Choudhary said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have full faith in the country’s leadership. “The Prime Minister and the Home Minister have promised the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the floor of Parliament that statehood will be restored. The Supreme Court has also reiterated this assurance. We are hopeful that the promise will be fulfilled soon,” he said. The Deputy CM said that Jammu and Kashmir has always stood firmly with the Army and other security forces, even during the most challenging periods. “Be it during terrorism or the times of war, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have always stood shoulder to shoulder with our security forces. Whenever Pakistan attempted to destabilise the region or weaken India, the people here made sacrifices for the tricolour,” he said. Choudhary also underlined that communal harmony and brotherhood remain the core strength of the region. “The unity among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians has always been strong and will continue to remain so. No force can break the brotherhood of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.