Srinagar, Jan 26 (KNO): Thundering from the podium of Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium on the occasion of 77th Republic Day, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the rest of the country to defend the nation against Pakistan’s attempts to create unrest or weaken India.
He expressed confidence that J&K will regain its statehood soon, reiterating the promise made by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister on the floor of Parliament.
Addressing a large gathering during the official Republic Day function, the Deputy CM thundered that the resilience and patriotism of J&K’s people have time and again defeated divisive agendas.
“Whenever Pakistan tried to do something against us or to weaken Jammu and Kashmir or India, the people of Jammu and Kashmir stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the rest of the country. They have always sacrificed for this flag,” the Deputy CM said, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), drawing loud applause from the crowd.
Choudhary said the history of Jammu and Kashmir was one of loyalty, sacrifice and unity. “Whether during militancy or war, the people of this region have always supported the security forces and upheld the national flag,” he said. “We will stand proudly with the Indian Army.”
He said the Prime Minister has assured restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “I am hopeful that J&K will soon regain its statehood, as envisioned by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.
The Dy CM recalled that the Supreme Court had also expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir would regain its full statehood status, adding that the government led by Chief Minister Umar Abdullah was working toward that goal.
“The state that was ours, Maharaja Hari Singh’s, the state Sheikh Abdullah joined with India, will get its lost status back,” he said.
Development and governance agenda
Highlighting the administration’s development priorities, the Deputy CM said that under the Smart City Project, 200 new red buses have been introduced to improve public transport facilities in Srinagar and Jammu.
He said the government stands by its promise to regularise daily-wage workers. “We have promised that daily-wagers will be given permanent status and the government stands by this commitment,” he said.
Choudhary said the Omar Abdullah-led government is adopting a digital transformation model for efficient and transparent governance. “Our government is embracing a digital revolution to ensure accountability and speedy delivery of services,” he added.
On infrastructure, he said the focus remains on improving road connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir. “Several bridges which remained incomplete for decades have now been completed. Our aim is to strengthen every link that connects the people,” he said.
Economy, culture and local industry
Calling traditional crafts the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, Choudhary said, “Basoli paintings, Kani shawls and our handicrafts are our heritage. Our artisans are playing a crucial role in reviving and preserving this legacy.”
He assured sustained government support to the artisans’ community and small-scale industries that define the region’s identity.
On financial matters, the Deputy CM said the transition from statehood to Union Territory had affected fund allocation. “After being downgraded from a state to a UT, we are not receiving funds at the level we used to. However, considering the unique challenges of Jammu and Kashmir, we are hopeful that the Centre will release additional funds,” he said.
Expressing hope about the upcoming budget, he noted, “People should remain hopeful, as the coming budget will be people-friendly and focused on grassroots needs.”
Water, waste and women empowerment
The Deputy Chief Minister said that special machinery is being installed to ensure clean drinking water across all regions of Jammu and Kashmir. He revealed that a new waste management plant is being set up in South Kashmir to address waste-related challenges in rural areas.
“Clean water and waste management are critical for healthy communities. We are setting up modern systems in both sectors,” he said.
Choudhary said the government’s focus on women's empowerment, stressing that no state could progress unless women were active participants in development. “Our aim is to empower women socially and economically, and they are the backbone of progress,” he added.
Unity, security and statehood sentiment
In another segment of his speech, the Deputy CM turned to the themes of unity, brotherhood and national integrity.
“Jammu and Kashmir is peaceful today; its tourism industry is flourishing, which is our livelihood,” he said, praying that the next Republic Day brings even greater peace and prosperity.
Choudhary stressed that the unity among communities in Jammu and Kashmir is unbreakable. “Our brotherhood of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians has always been, will remain and will last for centuries. No matter what anyone tries to do to divide Jammu and Kashmir, it cannot be broken,” he said to loud applause.
The Deputy CM ended on a patriotic note: “Our spirits are always high. This is our pledge, this is our oath.”
Remarks at Balidan Stambh, Lal Chowk
Earlier, speaking to reporters at the Balidan Stambh in Lal Chowk, the Deputy Chief Minister extended Republic Day greetings to people across Jammu and Kashmir and the country.
“On every corner of Jammu and Kashmir and on every corner of India, congratulations to all the people of every religion, every caste and every community," he said. "On behalf of the Omar Abdullah-led government and myself, I extend my greetings."
He added, “The coming year should bring greater peace and prosperity. We pray that when January 26, 2027, comes, it brings more happiness than what we have today."—(KNO)