CM Omar Makes Another Pitch for J&K Statehood Restoration

Mixing humor with political resolve, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday used the flagging-off ceremony of the first train to Kashmir by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Katra to subtly but clearly articulate his government's demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

- Press Trust of India

KATRA:

Recalling the opening of the Katra railway station, the last programme of his first government in 2014, Abdullah pointed at a "coincidence" that four people present at the event on Friday were also on stage that day. Humorously pointing out the differing career trajectories of the persons involved, Abdullah said, "You (Narendra Modi) became the Prime Minister for the first time then... You came here right after the election. And by the grace of God, you inaugurated the Katra railway station here.