Tangmarg, May 06: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday hinted at a strong political message he plans to deliver after Eid, saying he was holding himself back as the occasion did not permit a political address.
Speaking at a function in Tangmarg, CM Omar said the academic setting was not appropriate for political remarks. “Trust me, I want to burst like a cloudburst,” he said, adding that he would speak openly at a public gathering after Eid.
Turning to governance and youth issues, the Chief Minister said students are central to Jammu and Kashmir’s future and that the government is working to strengthen education, employment and economic opportunities.
He highlighted the lack of adequate private universities in the region, forcing families to send children outside Jammu and Kashmir at high financial cost. To address this, he said the government has passed a Private University Bill and that rules for its implementation are being framed.
He expressed hope that private universities would come up across the region, with places like Tangmarg offering favourable conditions.
On employment, Omar acknowledged that government jobs alone cannot address unemployment but said a target has been set to provide 20,000 to 25,000 government jobs this year to provide relief.
He also highlighted self-employment initiatives such as Mission Yuva, aimed at improving access to loans for young entrepreneurs, including those in tourism and small businesses. Skill development programmes are being expanded to align training with market needs, he added.
The Chief Minister said the broader goal is to build a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir with strong local economic foundations, creating opportunities within the region and reducing long-term dependence on the Centre.
“We want a day when we can stand on our own,” he said, adding that sustained efforts in education, employment and infrastructure would help achieve that vision. (KNO)
