Jammu: The violent assault on a Kashmiri shawl peddler in Uttarakhand has drawn sharp condemnation from J&K Deputy CM Surinder Kumar Choudhary, who called it ‘this nation’s tragedy’ and a deviation from cherished cultural norms.
In candid remarks to media persons here, Choudhary invoked the essence of ‘Ek Bharat,’ explaining how it historically enabled unrestricted travel and enterprise from southern tip to northern frontiers, unaffected by Article 370’s framework.
However, he warned of a perilous shift, with Jammu’s students and entrepreneurs encountering unwarranted hostility across states. ‘Hindustan guarantees every resident the right to life and labor anywhere within its borders—except for betraying the motherland,’ he declared resolutely.
The Deputy CM appreciated Uttarakhand CM Omar Abdullah’s grave concern over the matter, aligning it with prior calls to safeguard occupational freedoms.
Amid preparations for the budget session, Choudhary highlighted the government’s empathy for public woes. CM Abdullah’s dialogues with citizens, business chambers, agriculturists, and retailers promise a comprehensive fiscal plan. ‘We’re incorporating MLAs’ insights for a truly effective budget,’ he shared.
Looking to the national budget, Choudhary expressed anticipation for aid to rejuvenate J&K’s economy, hit hard by Pahalgam incidents and floods devastating tourism. ‘J&K’s populace awaits this with bated breath; it could be our pathway to flourishing times,’ he envisioned.