“Bridging gapes between Delhi and J&K”
“J&K Will Again Shape Its Future As A State Soon, Have Come To Kashmir To Thank People For Record Participation In Lok Sabha Polls
“New generation of J&K will live in permanent peace”
Kashmir emerging as a major hub of start-ups
“We are witnessing the realization of Atal ji’s vision of Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat aur Kashmiriyat today”
Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his two-day visit to Kashmir, assured that assembly elections will soon be held and the Union Territory will regain its statehood.
Addressing a major event after laying the foundation stone and inaugurating 84 developmental projects worth Rs 1,500 crore in Srinagar, PM Modi emphasized that the central government is taking recent militant attacks in the Union Territory very seriously and vowed a strong response against the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the ‘Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K’ event at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, PM Modi highlighted that every paisa of central assistance is dedicated to the welfare of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. “I am dedicated to bridging the gaps between Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring a connection of hearts,” he added, attributing the ongoing changes in J&K to the BJP’s decade-long efforts.
PM Modi, welcomed with flowers and traditional Kashmiri songs, also commended the youth of Jammu and Kashmir for their robust participation in the recent Lok Sabha polls, affirming their role in upholding democracy. “There’s nothing better than the people of Jammu & Kashmir choosing their representatives and addressing their issues through them. That’s why preparations for the assembly elections are underway. The day isn’t far when you will elect the new government of Jammu & Kashmir with your own vote,” he concluded. PM Modi expressed optimism that Jammu & Kashmir would soon regain its status as a state, urging its people to remain vigilant against those who oppose peace and development. “This is their last-ditch effort to halt Jammu & Kashmir’s progress and disrupt peace. We are closely monitoring recent militancy related incidents, with the Union Home Minister coordinating closely with the local administration,” he emphasized.
During his first visit to Kashmir since assuming office for the third time, PM Modi vowed unwavering efforts to safeguard Jammu & Kashmir’s future, ensuring lasting peace and advancing its chosen path of progress. He launched the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) worth Rs 1,800 crores and distributed employment letters to 200 new government recruits. PM Modi also interacted with young achievers during an exhibition, highlighting the significance of the day. Reflecting on his recent participation in the G7 Summit in Italy, PM Modi underscored the impact of India’s stable governance over three consecutive terms, stressing its role in reshaping global perceptions. “We are witnessing the realization of Atal ji’s vision of Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat aur Kashmiriyat today. I commend the people of Jammu & Kashmir for upholding democratic values,” he praised. PM Modi attributed Jammu & Kashmir’s transformation to a decade of government efforts, emphasizing inclusivity through initiatives like ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’. He noted landmark achievements such as voting rights for refugees from Pakistan, Valmiki community members, and families of Safai Karamcharis. The Prime Minister also highlighted fulfilling the long-pending wish of the Valmiki community to be included in the SC category, reservation of seats in the Legislative Assembly for the SC community, and inclusion of the Paddari tribe, Pahariya caste, Gadda Brahman, and Koli community in the SC category. He emphasized that OBC reservation has been extended to Panchayat, Nagar Palika, and Nagar Nigam elections, asserting that this ensures the rights of India’s 140 crore citizens and offers opportunities to contribute to nation-building. The Prime Minister also expressed disappointment over the historical neglect of Jammu & Kashmir, stating, “I am delighted that today, we are truly living the Constitution of India. Through it, we are ushering in positive changes in Kashmir,” he proudly proclaimed. “The Constitution of India has now been fully embraced by Jammu & Kashmir,” PM Modi exclaimed, “The barriers of Article 370 have been dismantled.” He further praised the recent transformations in the Kashmir valley, highlighting the hospitality of its people during the G20 Summit. The Prime Minister also noted that hosting a global event like the G20 Summit in the valley has filled the people of Kashmir with pride. He expressed joy at seeing children playing in Lal Chowk until late in the evening, which he said warms the hearts of every Indian. Recalling the sports car show held near Dal Lake in March this year, PM Modi highlighted that the event captured global attention, underscoring the progress in the valley. He mentioned the burgeoning tourism in Kashmir, noting that the International Yoga Day program scheduled for Friday would further attract tourists to the region.
Quoting Lieutenant Governor Sinha, the Prime Minister cited the record-breaking figure of over 2 crore tourists visiting the valley, significantly boosting the local economy. “I am fully committed to finding solutions for the longstanding issues. We are tirelessly working to bridge all gaps, whether emotional or developmental,” PM Modi emphasized. He stressed the importance of collective efforts to ensure that the benefits of democracy reach every family and individual. Regarding infrastructure projects, the Prime Minister highlighted major initiatives exceeding Rs 1,500 crores and the Agriculture and Allied Sectors (JKCIP) Project valued at Rs 1,800 crores. PM Modi praised the J&K Government for expediting government job recruitments, noting around 40,000 appointments in the last five years. He also acknowledged the positive impact of substantial investments in Jammu & Kashmir. Celebrating the progress in Kashmir, PM Modi remarked on comprehensive developments in sectors such as rail connectivity, education, healthcare infrastructure, electricity, and water. He highlighted achievements under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojna, including the construction of thousands of kilometers of roads. Furthermore, he mentioned plans for new highways, expressways, and railway connectivity in the valley.
“The majestic Chenab railway bridge symbolizes our pride,” PM Modi noted. He also highlighted the historic achievement of grid connectivity reaching Gurez Valley in north Kashmir for the first time, emphasizing abundant opportunities in agriculture, horticulture, sports, and start-ups across the valley. Reflecting on the decade’s progress in Kashmir, the Prime Minister highlighted its emergence as a major hub for start-ups, skill development, and sports. He pointed out that nearly 70% of the valley’s agricultural sector comprises start-ups, with over 50 new degree colleges established in recent years. “Polytechnic seats have increased, offering more opportunities for acquiring new skills. Projects like IIT, IIM, AIIMS, and numerous medical colleges are underway,” he added, emphasizing local skill development in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The Prime Minister also proposed the introduction of online courses for tourist guides and the establishment of youth tourism clubs in schools, colleges, and universities—all currently underway in Kashmir. He emphasized the positive impact of development initiatives on the empowerment of women in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting tourism and IT training for women in local Self Help Groups. Referring to the recent launch of the Krishi Sakhi program, the Prime Minister announced that over 1200 women from Jammu & Kashmir are now engaged as Krishi Sakhis. He also mentioned the Namo Drone Didi program, aimed at training daughters of Jammu & Kashmir under this scheme, stressing the government’s efforts to enhance women’s income and provide livelihood opportunities. “India is progressing towards becoming a global leader in tourism and sports,” the Prime Minister declared, underscoring Jammu & Kashmir’s potential in these sectors. He highlighted the development of robust sports infrastructure across every district of Jammu & Kashmir and the establishment of approximately 100 Khelo India centers. PM Modi noted that around 4,500 youths from Jammu & Kashmir are undergoing training for national and international sports competitions.
PM Modi affirmed that Jammu & Kashmir is evolving into India’s winter sports capital, citing the successful fourth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games in February, which saw participation from over 800 players nationwide.”These events will open new avenues for hosting international sports events in the future,” he added.The Prime Minister also distributed appointment letters to over 2000 individuals recently appointed in government service. The event was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister of State for Ayush (Independent Charge) Shri Prataprao Jadhav, and other dignitaries. The 10th International Day of Yoga will be celebrated at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Dal Lake.
