Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu: DD, Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Surinder Choudhary, Yesterday addressed a large and enthusiastic gathering at a public rally in Naushera.
In his speech, Choudhary highlighted the significant achievements of the Omar Abdullah-led government in driving transformation across the region, particularly in infrastructure development and the enhancement of essential services.
Choudhary urged critics of the NC government to visit the far-flung areas of Jammu to witness firsthand the sweeping changes that have taken place.
He emphasized the remarkable progress in building roads, improving alleys, and upgrading civic and utility infrastructure, particularly in the Pir Panjal region, which had suffered from neglect for nearly a decade. “The NC government has worked tirelessly to bring this region back into the fold of development and ensure its equitable progress,” he said.
On the contentious issue of SMVD Medical College seat allocations, Choudhary condemned attempts to create division by raising divisive issues.
He remarked, “Those questioning this matter are undermining the very essence of peace and pluralism that Jammu and Kashmir represents. The SMVD University is home to students from various religious and regional backgrounds, who study, live, and coexist harmoniously.
Targeting the Medical College while overlooking the broader spirit of unity in our region is unacceptable.”
He also reiterated that Mata Vaishno Devi, a revered spiritual figure in the region, belongs to all people, irrespective of their community or faith.
“Jammu has always been a beacon of tolerance, a place where temples, Sufis, and saints have coexisted peacefully for centuries,” he said. “It is the rich heritage of pluralism and coexistence that defines Jammu, and we will not allow anyone to tarnish this core value.”
Choudhary reaffirmed the National Conference’s commitment to fostering development while safeguarding the region’s harmony. “Jammu and Kashmir belongs to all its citizens, and our focus will remain on building a united, peaceful, and progressive future for the region,” he asserted.
Provincial President of NC, Rattan Lal Gupta, also addressed the rally, enumerating several key pro-people initiatives undertaken by the government, including age relaxation for Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) candidates, but it is condemable that LG administration has not extended the age relaxation and thus they badly play with future of the JKAS aspirants. The restoration of the Darbar Move, the provision of additional rations, and free bus rides for women.
He emphasized that these initiatives reflect the government’s dedication to the welfare and empowerment of all sections of society.
The rally concluded with a reaffirmation of unity, progress, and peace, as Choudhary and Gupta pledged their continued commitment to building a more inclusive and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
Among those who were present in the meeting included : Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, Th. Yashu Vardhan Singh Additional Spokesperson Jammu, Ashok Kumar Sharma District President Rajouri Rural, all block Presidents, Panches, Sarpanchs and other party functionaries.DD
