Gurez, August 7, KDC: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today confirmed his government’s commitment to the development and upliftment of Gurez and his people. Speaking at the two -day National Tribal Festival of Gurez -2025 held at the picturesque border village of Chorwan in Gurez, the Chief Minister assured the residents that Gurez was high in his government’s priority list.
He appreciated the peace-loving nature of the people of Gurez, accepting his unwavering commitment for peace even in challenging times. “Gurez always stands as a symbol of flexibility and harmony. My government recognizes this feeling and is firm to ensure that the region moves forward in all areas,” he said.
Emphasizing the need for better connectivity, the Chief Minister assured people that efforts are underway to provide mobile network coverage to connect Gurez with the rest of the country.
Highlighting the tourism capacity of the Gurez Valley, the Chief Minister urged the residents to work together to keep Gurez clean and pollution-free. “Gurez is blessed with immense natural beauty, and it is our collective responsibility to preserve it for future generations. While we want development and progress for the region, it should be balanced with the safety of its heritage, culture and traditions,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the expansion of tourism will create employment opportunities, especially for the youth of Gurez.
Earlier, the Chief Minister visited various stalls showing local produce, herbs, traditional foods and handicrafts. Tribal dance performances by cultural circles from Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat added color and diversity to the ceremonies.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also distributed appreciation certificates to women -led self -help groups for his entrepreneurship efforts.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; MLA Gurj, Nazir Ahmed Gurezi; MLA zadibal, tanvir sadiq; Additional Secretary, Tribal Affairs (Government of India); Secretary, Tribal Affairs (J&K); And the director, tribal matters also do spokespersons on the occasion.
Later, he also inaugurated and watched a polo match and flagged off a trekking group from Gurez, leading to the ability of the region for adventure tourism. Additionally, he planted saplings at the tourist reception center in Gurez as part of the Green initiative.
Earlier in the morning, the Chief Minister organized a grievance redressal camp in Vampora, Dawar, where residents from various fields including Korwan, Kanjalwan, Tulle, Markot and Bagator raised issues regarding road and mobile connectivity, educational institutions, banking facilities, ATM services, community bunkers and employment opportunities. The Chief Minister patiently listened to all the complaints and assured to redress on time.
He said that since the time of Sher-e-Kashmir, he is committed to giving justice to the people of Gurez. He said, “We understand the difficulties faced by the people of this region. Our government has sympathy and commitment to address these concerns.” (KDC)
