Condemning the mob attack on a Kashmiri shawl seller in Uttarakhand, J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary described it as ‘the misfortune of this great country,’ far removed from its pluralistic heritage.
Addressing journalists in Jammu, he underscored India’s unity in diversity: citizens from Kanyakumari to Kashmir moved freely for work, even under Article 370, fostering mutual trust.
Choudhary decried the surge in attacks on Jammu locals—be they students or traders—in other regions. ‘Every Indian holds the fundamental right to reside and earn across the nation, provided they shun anti-national pursuits,’ he emphasized.
He lauded CM Omar Abdullah’s serious handling of the Uttarakhand outrage, reinforcing opposition to any barriers on legitimate vocations.
On the budget front, Choudhary detailed inclusive consultations driving the session’s agenda. From grassroots voices to sectoral experts like farmers and commerce bodies, all inputs are shaping a responsive budget. ‘Our MLAs share the people’s concerns, and their ideas matter,’ he affirmed.
Expressing faith in the central budget, he sought a lifeline for J&K reeling from Pahalgam tragedy and floods that gutted tourism. ‘With substantial central backing, Jammu and Kashmir will stride towards prosperity,’ Choudhary concluded confidently.