Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who dedicated ₹32,000 crore projects to Jammu & Kashmir in Jammu on February 20, expressed satisfaction over the positive outcome of removal of Article 370, “with the Gulf countries showing keen interest in investment” and congratulated local youth for liberating themselves from dynastic politics.
“The BJP is fulfilling dreams of people, unfulfilled for the past 70 years, in Jammu & Kashmir. Modi’s guarantee is final and is the guarantee that every one’s dreams will be fulfilled. In the past, only sad news, like bomb blasts, kidnappings and separatism, would emerge from Kashmir. Education, connectivity and development has replaced it. Now, J&K is on the path of progress and development,” Mr. Modi, who addressed a well-attended public rally at Jammu’s Maulana Azad Stadium, said.
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Mr. Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation of ₹32,000 crore projects in several sectors, including education, health, aviation, roadways, railways etc.
“Kashmir is taking a new shape now. The biggest wall between J&K and the country was Article 370. The BJP removed that wall. All development initiatives get implemented simultaneously now. It’s the removal of Article 370 that gave us confidence to seek 370 seats for the BJP and 400 for the NDA,” Mr. Modi said.
He said the removal of Article 370 restored the rights denied to several sections of the society, including women, refugees, Valmikis, Safai Karam Charis, Paharis, Kohli’s, Schedule Tribes, got their democratic share. “Seats have been reserved for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes in panchayats, municipalities and Assembly,” he added.
He said that a new movie has been made on Article 370 and “will help make people aware about certain important facts about Article 370”. The Prime Minister said there was keen interest to invest in Kashmir in the Gulf countries during his recent trip.
“There is a positivity about investing in Kashmir. The successful G20 meeting in the country and Srinagar have echoed in the globe. A record two crore tourists have visited J&K in the past one year. More visitors will come with the train network expansions from Srinagar to Jammu and the new express highway from Jammu to Delhi,” Mr. Modi said.
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Mr. Modi inaugurated two key railways projects on the occasion, including the 48 km Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan and electrified train on the Sangaldan-Baramulla section.
Without naming the Congress, National Conference (NC) or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), PM Modi said Jammu & Kashmir suffered due to dynastic politics. “These dynasties only see their own interest and not that of people. It’s the youth that bears the brunt of this dynastic politics because it does not prioritise welfare schemes for them or the downtrodden. I am happy J&K is liberating itself from dynasty politics. The youth is rising on a new wave of politics and is writing the future of J&K themselves,” Mr. Modi said.
Mr. Modi also interacted with locals from Jammu, Poonch, Pulwama and Bandipora and patiently heard their stories of implementation of government schemes in these areas. He pledged to make India the third largest economy. “We have already jumped from 11th position to fifth position. This will help us invest more on public welfare schemes like free medical treatment, ration, gas, houses etc.,” he added.
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Mr. Modi also highlighted the new initiatives taken in J&K such as opening up of two IITs, two AIIMS, eight medical colleges and 45 nursing and para medical colleges. “There was a time when schools were burnt, today schools are being decorated. J&K is emerging as an educational hub now. We have taken a ‘sanklap’ of ‘Viksit Jammu and Kashmir’. I have full faith in you and I know that we will make Jammu and Kashmir ‘viksit’,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “The incidents of terrorism have been reduced by 75%. Jo bhi tanzeeme thi unke top commanders ko uchit jagah pahucha diya gaye hai. Protest calendar is no longer issued, and stone pelting is now history. Markets, schools, and universities now remain open throughout the year.”
