Srinagar. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has cautioned Ladakh’s political leadership against placing faith solely on verbal promises from the Union government concerning constitutional protections for land rights and employment opportunities. He appealed for officially documented and signed assurances.

Addressing the press in Pulwama, Abdullah highlighted that the challenges faced by Ladakh differ from those of Jammu and Kashmir, yet he offered his counsel in the spirit of friendship and goodwill. He emphasized that Ladakh and Kargil representatives should await a formal, written pledge before trusting any oral commitments.

Referring to the recent experience of Jammu and Kashmir’s quest for restored statehood, the chief minister recalled a promise that statehood would be reinstated after the Assembly polls – a pledge that remains unfulfilled after nearly two years. He suggested that Ladakh’s leaders could request a concrete document, possibly an affidavit, to cement any future guarantees.

During his Pulwama visit, Abdullah also inspected ongoing development initiatives in the area. He announced that projects worth roughly ₹100 crore have either been inaugurated or have had foundation stones laid, encompassing new roads, schools, hospitals, bridges, and a dairy‑processing village.

On the matter of the National Health Mission staff’s protest, Abdullah affirmed that striking is a democratic right but noted that his administration would engage in dialogue on their grievances once the strike is withdrawn. He urged the employees to return to the negotiation table to seek a mutually acceptable solution.