SRINAGAR: Showering praises on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for his administrative acumen, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said Jammu and Kashmir is touching new heights of development after the abrogation of Article 370.
Addressing a public rally, Modi also accused the Congress of misguiding not only the people of Jammu and Kashmir but the entire nation on Article 370 for a long time.
Prime Minister extended his “advance wishes” for the upcoming pious month of Ramzan and Maha Shivratri, which falls on Friday.
“Jammu and Kashmir is touching new heights of development after the abrogation of Article 370. Jammu and Kashmir is touching new heights of development today because it is breathing freely,” Modi said at the rally at the Bakshi stadium.
Prime Minister said the abrogation of Article 370 has led to the respect of the youth’s talent and equal rights and equal opportunities for everyone. He spoke about the refugees from Pakistan, the Valmiki community, and sanitation workers getting voting rights, fulfilling the demand of the Valmiki community for the SC category, reservation of seats in the assembly for Scheduled Tribes, Paddari tribe, and the inclusion of the Paddari tribe, Pahari ethnic group, Gadda Brahmin and Koli communities in the Scheduled Tribes.
Praising LG, he said Manoj Sinha brilliantly gave an overview of the development scenario in J&K. “After his speech, maybe there was no need for anyone to speak given his brilliant encapsulation. You have come in lakhs and I am indebted to you,” PM said.
Prime Minister also pointed out that dynastic politics in Jammu & Kashmir deprived the right to reservation to other backward classes in Panchayat, Municipality, and Municipal Corporation as provided in the government. “Today every class is being returned its rights”, PM Modi added.
PM Modi inaugurates development projects worth over Rs 6,400 crore in Kashmir PM Modi inaugurates development projects worth over Rs 6,400 crore in Kashmir
The Prime Minister also launched the ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll’ and ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign’ and announced tourist destinations selected under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme. distributed appointment orders to about 1000 new Government recruits of Jammu and Kashmir and will also interact with beneficiaries of various government schemes including women achievers, lakhpati didis, farmers, entrepreneurs, etc.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that the feeling of arriving in heaven on earth cannot be put into words. “This unparalleled form of nature, the air, the valley, the environment, and the love and affection of Kashmiri brothers and sisters”, he remarked. He also acknowledged the presence of citizens outside the venue, and more than 1 lakh people from 285 blocks connected to the event via video link. Underlining that the new Jammu & Kashmir is the one that has been awaited for decades, the Prime Minister said, “Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerji had sacrificed for this Jammu and Kashmir.”
He stated that the new Jammu and Kashmir has the sparkle for the future in its eyes and the determination to clear all obstacles. “140 crore citizens feel at peace when they see the smiling faces of the people of Jammu & Kashmir”, PM Modi said.
Expressing his gratitude for the affection of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said “Modi will not leave any stone unturned to repay this debt of affection. I am doing all this hard work to win your hearts and I believe that I am on the right path. I will continue my efforts to win your hearts. This is Modi’s guarantee and all of you know that Modi’s guarantee means the guarantee of fulfillment of the guarantee.
Recalling his recent visit to Jammu where he started infrastructure and education projects worth Rs 32,000 crores, PM Modi mentioned today’s projects related to tourism development, and agriculture along with appointment letters that were distributed today.
“Power of development, the potential of tourism, capabilities of farmers and leadership of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir will pave the way for Viksit Jammu Kashmir”, the Prime Minister said. “Jammu Kashmir is not just a place, Jammu Kashmir is the head of India. A head held high is a symbol of development and respect. Therefore, Viksit Jammu and Kashmir is the priority of Viksit Bharat”, the Prime Minister added.
He said development works being carried out in the holy Hazratbal Dargah for the convenience of the people have also been completed. The Prime Minister informed about the ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice’ campaign where 40 places have been identified by the government to be developed as tourist destinations in the next 2 years.
“When intentions are noble and there is a determination to fulfill commitments, results are bound to follow,” he said
Addressing the transformative growth in tourism, the Prime Minister noted, “There was a time when people questioned who would visit Jammu and Kashmir for tourism. Today, Jammu and Kashmir are breaking all tourism records.” He further elaborated,
“In 2023 alone, Jammu and Kashmir welcomed over 2 crore tourists, surpassing previous records. Over the past 10 years, the Amarnath Yatra has witnessed the highest number of pilgrims participating, and Vaishno Devi also recorded a significant increase in devotee footfall.” Highlighting the surge in foreign tourist arrivals and the growing attraction for celebrities and international guests, the Prime Minister stated, “Now, even prominent celebrities and foreign guests visit the valleys of Jammu and Kashmir to explore and create videos and reels.”
Pointing out that Jammu & Kashmir has been the biggest victim of dynastic politics since independence, the Prime Minister assured the people that the development campaign for Jammu & Kashmir will not stop at any cost and the region will develop more rapidly in the next 5 years.
The Prime Minister concluded his address by extending his best wishes to the entire nation on the holy month of Ramzan. “It is my wish that everyone should get the message of peace and harmony from the month of Ramadan. Tomorrow is Mahashivratri, I wish everyone the best of this holy festival”, PM Modi concluded.
