Srinagar, Jan 31: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that, unlike other states, he cannot ask the people of Jammu and Kashmir to leave the Union Territory in search of employment, stressing the need to build a strong and sustainable local employment ecosystem.
Speaking on the issue, the Chief Minister said recent incidents involving Kashmiris outside Jammu and Kashmir have forced people to rethink working outside the UT. “We have seen what our people have faced in recent times, whether it was in Himachal Pradesh or what happened recently in Uttarakhand,” he said.
Omar Abdullah said that due to such experiences, people are now increasingly looking inward rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. “As a result, our people are now looking inward rather than going outside,” he added.
He said protecting the dignity and safety of the people of Jammu and Kashmir must remain a priority and that sustainable employment opportunities within the UT are crucial. “To protect our people and provide them with long-term opportunities, it is essential that we build a strong ecosystem for employment within Jammu and Kashmir itself,” the Chief Minister said.
Omar Abdullah said the government is focused on strengthening local industries, services and skill development so that employment generation within the UT becomes viable and inclusive. (KNT)
