JAMMU, Feb 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed on Tuesday that the abrogation of Article 370 has played a pivotal role in propelling the comprehensive development of Jammu and Kashmir. During a significant gathering at the Maulana Azad Stadium, where projects worth over Rs 32,000 crore for Jammu and Kashmir and Rs 13,500 crore for other parts of the nation were launched, Modi expressed his commitment to transforming the valley into a tourist destination that could rival Switzerland.
Addressing the large audience, Modi highlighted the surge in investments from Gulf countries following a G20 event held in the region last year, which brought global attention to the scenic beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. He heralded a new era for the region, emphasizing that it is breaking free from dynastic rule, with his government now directly engaging with the populace.
In his over 30-minute speech, Modi reflected on the tumultuous past of Jammu and Kashmir, marred by violence and separatism, and commended the current shift towards a harmonious and prospering region, attributing it to balanced development initiatives.
”We have seen the days when only disappointing news used to come from JK. Bomb, guns, kidnapping, and separatism had become its misfortune. Today, we are seeing a new J-K with balanced and holistic development,” Modi said, initiating his speech in Dogri language.
Despite the rain, thousands of locals attended the rally, marking Modi’s second visit to the Jammu region after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Expressing his vision for a flourishing Jammu and Kashmir, Modi vowed to construct infrastructure that could rival international destinations like Switzerland.
”We have pledged a developed J&K, and I have full faith that we will make Jammu and Kashmir more developed and fulfill all your dreams within the next few years… We will create such infrastructure in Kashmir that people will forget going to Switzerland,” he said.
Modi lauded the newfound spirit of the youth in the region, highlighting the transition from desolation to vibrancy in everyday life. He also shared his optimism regarding investments from Gulf countries, underscoring the positive reception towards the erstwhile state.
Reflecting on the global interest ignited by the G20 event in Srinagar, Modi expressed satisfaction over the surge in tourism and devotees visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
”The beauty of Kashmir, traditions, and culture which got highlighted during the G20 event (in Srinagar last year) had left an impression on the people, and everyone wants to visit the place,” Modi said, expressing satisfaction over the footfall of a record number of over two crore tourists and the highest number of devotees to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in a decade.
Describing Article 370 as the ”biggest hurdle” in the development of the erstwhile state, Modi emphasized its role in impeding all-round development. He urged the nation to grant his party 370 seats in the upcoming Parliamentary elections, marking the significance of the Article 370 annulment.
Stating that J-K was a victim of ”dynastic rule,” Modi expressed happiness at the region getting freed from it. Taking on the Congress party, he said it only believed in lip service to the armed forces and affirmed that a prosperous India is synonymous with a thriving Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, the PM engaged with newly recruited government employees and beneficiaries of various schemes during which he underscored the government’s commitment to a developed and inclusive future for Jammu and Kashmir.
During an interaction with a woman from a remote area of the Jammu region, the prime minister sought the support of the country’s women in making one crore women in India as ”lakhpati didis”.
The development projects launched by Modi encompassed various sectors, including education, railways, aviation, and roads in Jammu and Kashmir. Notable among them were the dedication of various rail projects, including a new rail line between Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan (48 km), the flagging off of the first electric train in the valley, and the initiation of a train service between Sangaldan in Jammu division and Baramulla stations. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah welcomed this move, terming it a ”big step by the railway ministry and Prime Minister Modi”.
