Mon Jan 13 16:25:30 UTC 2025: ## Thousands Brave Snow to Attend Modi’s Z-Morh Tunnel Inauguration in Kashmir
**Ganderbal, January 13, 2025** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district today, drawing a crowd of over 5,000 locals who braved heavy snowfall to attend the event. Unlike previous government functions, no government employees were mandated to attend, a departure from past practice under central rule.
National Conference MLA Mian Mehar Ali confirmed that the attendees were primarily local residents, transported by around 500 privately arranged vehicles from snow-bound villages. He attributed the strong turnout to the long-awaited completion of the tunnel, a project championed by his late father, a former J&K Forest Minister. The MLA expressed hope that the tunnel will boost tourism and benefit the region’s poorer communities.
However, Ali expressed disappointment that the Prime Minister did not announce a timeline for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, a key expectation among attendees. This sentiment was echoed by Hanief Malik, a sarpanch from the Kulan area, who emphasized the tunnel’s vital importance as a lifeline during harsh winter conditions. Despite the challenging weather, women also attended the rally. The event showcased the significant local interest in the project and its potential impact on the region.
First Piper 