Sonamarg (Ganderbal), Jan 13 (Reporter) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Jammu and Kashmir is the "crown of India" and vowed to make it even more beautiful and prosperous. The Prime Minister also assured that he would fulfill all his promises at the right time. In an apparent reference to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reminding him of his promise about restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said “If I promise, I fulfill.” “ There is a time for everything. And at the right time, the right things are also going to happen,” Modi told a gathering after inaugurating the Sonamarg tunnel previously known as the Z-Morh tunnel in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. Earlier, while speaking at the function, Abdullah called for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah reminded the Prime Minister that two out of the three major promises that he had made at the time of his visit to Srinagar in connection with Yoga Divas, have been fulfilled but the third one- of restoration of statehood- is awaiting its fulfillment. Prime Minister said Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of India and that is why he wants this crown to shine brighter and be more prosperous. He noted the continuous support from the youth, elders, and children of the region in this endeavor. The Prime Minister emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are working diligently to turn their dreams into reality, contributing to the progress of the region and the nation. “Jammu and Kashmir is writing a new chapter in the history of development, leaving behind the difficult days of the past,” he said PM Modi highlighted J&K's remarkable journey of development, emphasizing the shift from difficult times to a new era of growth and peace. “Jammu and Kashmir of the 21st century is scripting a new chapter of development and the region is regaining its identity as ‘Paradise on Earth,’ leaving behind the difficult days of the past,” he said. The Prime Minister noted that people now enjoy ice cream at Lal Chowk even at night, and the area remains lively. He praised the local artists for transforming Polo View Market into a new habitat center, with musicians, artists, and singers frequently performing there. The Prime Minister observed that people in Srinagar now comfortably watch movies with their families in cinema halls and shop with ease. He emphasized that such significant changes cannot be achieved by the government alone and credited the people of Jammu and Kashmir for strengthening democracy and securing their future. PM Modi underscored the government’s focus on improving connectivity and infrastructure, citing the completion of the Z-Morh Tunnel as a key milestone. “Our Jammu and Kashmir is now becoming the hub of tunnels, bridges, and roads. The world is amazed at engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge,” Modi said. The Prime Minister said that over Rs 42,000 crore worth of road connectivity projects are underway in Jammu and Kashmir, including four National Highway projects and two ring roads. The Prime Minister remarked that more than 14 tunnels like Sonamarg are being constructed, making Jammu and Kashmir one of the most connected regions in the country. The Prime Minister said there has been a positive impact of peace and developments on the tourism sector. “In 2024, over 2 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, benefiting everyone from hotel owners and homestay operators to taxi drivers and shopkeepers,” Modi said. He also highlighted the resurgence of cultural and sports events, such as international marathons, winter games in Gulmarg, and the return of cricket leagues to Kashmir, as symbols of the region’s revival. PM Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind in the journey of progress. “From IITs and AIIMS to new industries, from sports infrastructure to skill development centers, opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are rapidly expanding,” he said. “We are working with the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’” The Prime Minister promised that he would walk step by step with people, removing every obstacle to their dreams. Emphasising the extensive infrastructure development from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, the Prime Minister remarked that Jammu and Kashmir is becoming a hub of tunnels, high bridges, and ropeways, with some of the world's highest tunnels and highest rail-road bridges being constructed here...////...