Srinagar (PTI): National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah said it is "unrealistic" to expect his party-led government, formed last year, to bring overnight transformation in Jammu and Kashmir as the "developmental setbacks" of the last decade cannot be reversed instantly.

Addressing a gathering at the Reshi Gund area of Kralpora in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said the Omar Abdullah-led government has ushered in a transformative era of governance marked by the importance of active citizen engagement in shaping effective governance.

"The government's mandate spans five years, and it is unrealistic to expect a newly formed administration to transform the region overnight. The developmental setbacks our region has endured over the past decade cannot be reversed in mere moments; there is no magic solution," Abdullah said.

He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have faced hardships over the last decades and reaffirmed that the government is fully committed to fulfilling all promises made in the party manifesto.

He said through ongoing concerted efforts and active public participation, the NC government has established a clear trajectory aimed at addressing these long-standing challenges.

The NC chief said, despite holding an absolute majority, the government is not resorting to unilateral decision-making.

"On the contrary, there is a strong commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all voices are heard before policies are formulated. With this collaborative approach, I am confident that our region will regain its momentum. Our citizens will soon experience significant improvements across all fronts," he said.

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New Delhi (PTI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener Phil Salt has returned to England for scans on a finger injury sustained last month.

The injury has kept Salt out of RCB's last three matches, with compatriot Jacob Bethell stepping in at the top of the order.

The 29-year-old is reported to have "damaged a finger on his left hand" while diving to save a boundary at deep backward square leg during RCB's defeat to Delhi Capitals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18.

"Salt, who is centrally contracted by the ECB, has since returned home at the request of England's management and has undergone scans on his finger," ESPNCricinfo reported.

According to the report, both RCB and Salt are hopeful of a speedy recovery and the opener can return to India later this month.

Salt had enjoyed a strong start to the season, amassing 202 runs in six innings at an impressive strike rate of 168.33.

RCB are currently second on the points table behind Punjab Kings. They take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Thursday next.