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| The Strategic Z-Morh Tunnel: A symbol of development and resilience in Jammu & Kashmir | | 
By Farooq Ganderbali
The long-awaited opening of the Z-Morh tunnel in Kashmir, scheduled for January 13, 2025, is more than just a significant infrastructural development; it carries deep political and symbolic weight. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the tunnel next week is not only aimed at enhancing connectivity in the region but also serves as a clear message to those who seek to disrupt progress and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. The strategic tunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh, has already become a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of terror threats.
In October of last year, the project site was tragically attacked by Pakistani-sponsored terrorists, resulting in the deaths of seven workers, including a local doctor from Budgam. The attack, carried out by the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant group, targeted the workers of the tunnel project, signaling an attempt to derail one of the most crucial infrastructural projects in the region. The timing of the attack was particularly telling—just as the region was experiencing a renewed push for development and progress after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The attack was not merely an act of terror but an attempt to send a message that efforts to modernize and integrate Jammu & Kashmir into the national mainstream would face resistance.
The Z-Morh tunnel is a critical part of the larger vision to boost infrastructure and connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The tunnel, once completed, will ensure year-round road access to the otherwise isolated region of Ladakh, which is cut off during the harsh winter months due to snow accumulation. In a region like Kashmir, where weather conditions often lead to prolonged blockades and hardships, the tunnel represents a breakthrough in connectivity. This project, along with other initiatives, is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Jammu & Kashmir is no longer dependent on weather conditions or geopolitical tensions to maintain its connectivity with the rest of India.
For the people of Jammu & Kashmir, the opening of the tunnel will symbolize a commitment to the region’s long-term development and peace. The presence of Prime Minister Modi at the inauguration is a powerful signal to both domestic and international actors that efforts to undermine progress in the region will not be tolerated. The terror attack on the Z-Morh tunnel last year, targeting innocent workers, was a stark reminder of the challenges that continue to exist in the region. However, the resilience shown by the government and the local population in the face of such adversity underscores the determination to overcome these challenges and build a future of peace and prosperity.
The inauguration of the tunnel also comes at a time when Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing unprecedented development, especially after the historic abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has significantly increased its efforts to boost infrastructure, tourism, and economic growth in the region. Universities, colleges, and healthcare facilities have been established to cater to the growing needs of the local population. Jammu & Kashmir is also seeing the development of smart cities in Srinagar and Jammu, which will not only improve the quality of life for residents but also attract investments from across the country.
The tourism sector in Jammu & Kashmir has also witnessed a dramatic resurgence. With the removal of Article 370, which had long been seen as a roadblock to full integration with the rest of India, the region is now witnessing a boom in both domestic and international tourism. The development of the region’s infrastructure, including better roads, airports, and facilities, has made it easier for tourists to visit, and the result has been an influx of visitors. From the scenic landscapes of Gulmarg and Pahalgam to the spiritual significance of Vaishno Devi and Amarnath, the tourism industry in Jammu & Kashmir has become a major contributor to the region’s economy. The Z-Morh tunnel, by ensuring all-weather connectivity, is expected to further enhance the region’s tourism potential.
At the same time, the central government’s investments in educational institutions, hospitals, and urban development have created a more conducive environment for young people in Jammu & Kashmir. The youth of the region are increasingly seeing themselves as part of a larger national narrative, and many are choosing to pursue higher education and careers that were previously unavailable to them. With a focus on peace and development, Jammu & Kashmir is on the path to becoming a thriving hub of opportunities for its young population.
One of the most notable changes since the abrogation of Article 370 is the shift in the region’s political and economic landscape. The move, which was controversial at the time, has allowed for greater integration of Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of India, both politically and economically. It has opened the doors for investments and reforms that were long delayed, and today, Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing a new era of growth and stability. The development of infrastructure projects like the Z-Morh tunnel is a key part of this transformation.
The opening of the Z-Morh tunnel by Prime Minister Modi is not just about infrastructure; it is a message of resilience, progress, and unity. It is a reminder to those who seek to disrupt peace in Jammu & Kashmir that the region’s development will continue despite any challenges or attacks. The tunnel is not only a physical structure but also a symbol of the government’s commitment to ensuring that Jammu & Kashmir remains an integral part of India’s future. As the region continues to evolve, the hope is that the people of Jammu & Kashmir, particularly its youth, will embrace the opportunities for peace, progress, and prosperity that lie ahead.
(Farooq Ganderbali is a columnist ,Social Activist & President Voice for Peace and Justice Regd. NGO)
(Disclaimer: The views, observations and opinions expressed in above write up of Scoop News are strictly author's own. Scoop News does not take any onus or liability for the veracity, accuracy, validity, completeness, suitability of any of information in the above given write up. The information, facts or figures appearing in the write up in no way manifest the position, standpoint or stance of Scoop News and the Scoop News does not assume any encumbrance or answerability of the same. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent Courts and Forums in Jammu City Only)
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