Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today demanded setting up of a rail coach factory in the state in order to help it overcome industrial backwardness and fast-track the pace of economic development.
"The Centre should announce rail coach factory in the state as it has done Punjab in order to help the state overcome industrial backwardness and economic shortcomings," Omar said addressing an ASSOCHAM seminar here.
He also emphasised on transfer of Salal, Dulhasti and Uri power projects to the state and stressed on support to specifically cater to its needs.
Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir should not be compared with other states, Omar said when the entire country was reaping benefits of liberalisation of industrial policy, it was fighting the militancy war for the country.
"We have undergone tremendous downward dip in economy. The progress of the state remained standstill, thousands of youth were rendered jobless and trade and industries received series jolt," he said.
Omar also objected to comparing Jammu and Kashmir with other hilly states during granting of any Central assistance, and noted that a support merely on grounds of geographical difficulties will not help meet special needs of people.
PTI
