Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday emphasized the administration’s readiness to adapt to public sentiment on such matters.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), the Chief Minister addressed both political and governance issues.
Referring to the contentious NIT project, he remarked, “A delegation from Pulwama approached me with their concerns about the NIT. I assured them that if the locals oppose it, we will find another location for the institute.”
The Kashmiriyat had exclusively reported widespread protests by locals against the construction of a National Institute of Technology (NIT) campus on over 4,000 kanals of land in Pulwama, highlighting public discontent over the project
The protests, led by Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and supported by opposition parties, have drawn significant attention.
Addressing the matter, Abdullah underscored the government’s openness to public demonstrations, saying, “The fact that this protest reached my gate speaks volumes about the democratic space this administration has nurtured. Such openness to political expression was unimaginable before.”
While the Chief Minister acknowledged the right to protest as a cornerstone of democracy, he also expressed the government’s commitment to resolving public concerns amicably.
His remarks reflect a broader approach to governance, balancing developmental priorities with community interests.