After more than six years, Jammu and Kashmir now has an elected government. However, many people are turning to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook to directly reach out to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with their concerns.
Unemployed youth are asking for job opportunities, while residents are demanding better electricity and improved roads. People are looking for quick solutions to problems that have been around for a long time.
As frustration grows, many are using social media to make sure their issues are heard. One police sub-inspector aspirant posted: “@OmarAbdullah sir kindly take up the issue of age relaxation in #JKPSI with @OfficeOfLGJandK. Aspirants are in dilemma.”
The aspirants are asking for a one-time relaxation of the age limit by five years, up to 33 years.
Another youth posted on the CM's account: “Don't disappoint youth. 1 Reservation 2 Jobs 3 Exam fee.” As Abdullah and his party leaders use social media more to engage with the public, people who cannot reach them in person are trying to connect online.
“We have no other option left. We’ve tried everything else, but no one listens. Maybe if the CM sees our tweets or posts, something will change,” said a frustrated resident from Srinagar.
Despite this online outreach, a recent statement from the Chief Minister has raised doubts about quick solutions. Abdullah told reporters, “We are reaching out to the people to address their concerns, but some issues cannot be fixed quickly due to the UT status.”
He added, “Some issues are linked to the UT status, and to resolve them, we need statehood back from the Center.”
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This comment has made many citizens skeptical, as it seems like a way to delay their demands. Tufail Khan, an engineering graduate, said, “I’ve been waiting for a job for a decade. During the elections, the National Conference promised one lakh jobs. But after the CM’s statement, it feels like they’re just making excuses.”
Many residents across the region share this frustration, feeling disappointed by unfulfilled promises. Despite this, people believe social media has become an important way to hold the government accountable. One person said, “While it may not bring immediate results, it’s a way for marginalised voices to be heard.”
For now, citizens continue to flood the Chief Minister's social media accounts with their demands. The question remains: will this outreach lead to real change, or will frustration continue? Only time will tell.
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