Srinagar, 16-10-2024: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, soon after being sworn in on Wednesday, announced that his motorcade will not receive a ‘green corridor’ or cause any traffic stoppages during his road movements, aiming to minimize public inconvenience. Abdullah, the National Conference leader, took the oath as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir—the first elected government in the Union territory since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
In a post on social media platform X, Abdullah informed, “I have spoken to the DG @JmuKmrPolice, instructing that there is to be no ‘green corridor’ or traffic stoppages when I travel by road. Public inconvenience must be minimized, and the use of sirens is to be kept to a minimum.” His decision comes less than three hours after officially assuming office.
Reflecting on his tenure as chief minister from 2009 to 2014, Abdullah reiterated his commitment to prioritizing public convenience by directing his cavalcade to adhere to regular traffic rules. “The use of any aggressive gestures, such as waving sticks or other intimidating behavior, is strictly prohibited. I’m also requesting my cabinet colleagues to adopt the same approach. Our conduct must be people-friendly in every respect. We are here to serve the people, not to inconvenience them,” Abdullah asserted.
His directive is seen as a continuation of his efforts to build a government that remains closely connected to the people it serves, demonstrating his resolve to set an example of humility and accessibility in his second tenure.