Srinagar. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cautioned Ladakh’s political heads against relying merely on verbal promises from the Centre concerning constitutional safeguards for land ownership and employment. He appealed for officially signed, written assurances.
Addressing reporters in Pulwama, Abdullah highlighted that the challenges faced by Ladakh differ from those of Jammu and Kashmir, yet he offered his counsel as a friend and well‑wisher. He urged Ladakh and Kargil representatives to wait for a formal, documented pledge before placing confidence in any oral statements.
Citing the recent experience of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood restoration, Abdullah noted that a promise to reinstate statehood after the assembly polls remains unfulfilled after nearly two years. He suggested that Ladakh leaders could request a concrete document—perhaps even an affidavit—to cement any future commitments.
During his Pulwama visit, the chief minister also inspected ongoing development works. He announced that projects worth roughly ₹100 crore have either been inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid, spanning roads, schools, hospitals, bridges and a dairy‑processing hub.
Regarding the continuing agitation by National Health Mission staff, Abdullah affirmed that protest is a democratic right but stressed that his administration would resume talks on their demands once the strike is withdrawn. He appealed to the employees to re‑engage in dialogue for a speedy resolution.
