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Govt's silence shouldn't be mistaken for weakness: Omar

Srinagar, July 15: Promising to always serve the people and protect their mandate, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that the elected Government's "silence" should not be mistaken for "weakness." Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the 120-bed additional block of the Bone & Joint Hospital, Barzulla, Omar said that during the past eight months in power, he endured quietly without complaint. Click here to watch video "Do not consider our decency as weakness-I want to make this clear. Some people have a wrong notion that because we do not raise our voice or issue threats, we are weak. But let me tell them, we are not weak," he said. He added that despite everything, he remained patient. "If yesterday's incident had not happened, you might not have seen our reality." Without naming anyone, he alleged that some people were trying to create hurdles in the functioning of the Government. "I have been saying this and will keep saying it, we will not stop short of our destination and our struggle," he said. The Chief Minister remarked that those who had ruled J&K in the past were in power due to "favor," unlike the current elected Government, which, he said, derives its authority from the people's mandate. "We will not sell out the dreams and aspirations of the people. We are not here because of anyone's favor. They ruled J&K for the last eight years because of favor. We are here with the favor of the Almighty and the voters of J&K," he said. Omar assured that his Government would always protect the people's mandate while pledging to serve them faithfully. "It is the people's power that has brought us here, and we will always protect that power. This is our promise to the people of J&K: we will serve and represent you." Responding to criticism that the elected Government has achieved little in its first eight months, Omar said they still have five years to deliver. "Did we ever claim to have done everything already? We have sought five years' time. It's not as though we've done nothing-there's plenty we can count, but we won't tally our achievements every day." He also questioned the works carried out under the Srinagar Smart City project, "wondering" where the funds allocated over the years had been spent. "There is no dearth of issues in Srinagar. Just an hour of rain, and you can't walk on the roads. Where did the Smart City go? We don't understand. We built roads but forgot to make proper lanes and drains," he said. Omar added that he has directed the Housing & Urban Development Department to conduct a special survey to identify the areas most affected by waterlogging. "Based on that, I have directed them to frame a project to address the issue and truly turn Srinagar into a smart city," he said. He further assured that two to three major infrastructure projects would soon be launched to help ease traffic congestion in the city. The Chief Minister, earlier inaugurated a 120-bedded state-of-the-art additional block at the Bone & Joint Hospital, Srinagar after its completion missed several deadlines. Omar also took a round of the operation theatres, staircase, ramp and wards, and interacted with the hospital staff and faculty members. Addressing a large gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that no amount of infrastructure development-be it roads, power projects, or commercial complexes-can substitute for quality healthcare and education. Recalling the rich legacy of the Bone & Joint Hospital, Omar said that the institution has faced extraordinary challenges over the past 30-35 years. "From natural disasters to tragic accidents, this hospital has stood as a symbol of resilience and commitment," he said. He reminisced about the 2014 floods, when floodwaters first breached the Bone & Joint Hospital. "I vividly remember standing under this bridge, trying to protect the hospital from being overrun. Despite the devastation, this hospital never turned its back on people-it continued to provide treatment," he said. The Chief Minister also referred to the 2022 fire that destroyed major sections of the hospital, including four operation theatres, referral rooms, teaching areas, and multiple wards. "Even without a roof for six months, our doctors and administrators resumed surgeries within days. Their dedication is commendable," he added. Highlighting the vision of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who had inaugurated the hospital in May 1982, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed pride in carrying that vision forward. "Today, we are opening a new chapter in the hospital's journey-one that will serve not just Srinagar, but patients from every corner of the Valley, and even from Chenab, Pir Panjal, and Kargil," he said. The Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need for staffing in the newly inaugurated facility and directed concerned departments to expedite the creation of required posts. "We didn't cut this ribbon for a photo opportunity. It will only be meaningful when these beds are occupied, OTs are functional, and our faculty is teaching future doctors," he asserted. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary reaffirmed that the mission and vision laid down by Sher-e-Kashmir will continue with renewed focus and energy under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Minister for Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, said that following the formation of the present Government under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, the Bone & Joint Hospital project has witnessed significant progress and was successfully completed. She further emphasized that medical care facilities across Jammu and Kashmir are being continuously upgraded.

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