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PM addresses rallies in Srinagar & Katra (Jammu & Kashmir)
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed massive gatherings at Srinagar and Katra in Jammu & Kashmir on 19 September 2024, emphasizing the region’s rapid development and progress. Highlighting the large turnout of young people, the elderly, mothers, and sisters, he said this is the new Jammu and Kashmir. Our goal is the rapid development of Jammu and Kashmir, he added.
Strengthen India’s democracy
PM Shri Modi congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the successful first phase of voting in seven districts, which took place without the shadow of terrorism. “This is a matter of happiness and pride for all of us, that so many people came out to vote,” he said, citing voting percentages of over 80% in Kishtwar, 71% in Doda, 70% in Ramban, and 62% in Kulgam. “Today, the world is watching how the people of Jammu and Kashmir strengthen India’s democracy. For this, I congratulate the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
3 families crushed democracy and cultural essence of Kashmir
Shri Modi criticized the three families that have ruled Jammu and Kashmir, saying they have “crushed both democracy and the cultural essence of Kashmir.” He accused them of depriving the people of their rightful entitlements and promoting violence and chaos. However, he noted that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are now challenging these families and rising against them.
Criticising the Congress and PDP, Shri Modi said, “They sold hatred for decades to keep their political shops running. The same fires that burned schools in Kashmir were stoked by their market of hatred. They did not build new schools and gave shelter to those who set schools on fire. You remember the time when even the schools that survived the fires couldn’t operate for months. Our youth were kept away from education, while these three families rejoiced in handing them stones. For their selfish gains, they ruined the future of our children.”
Think about what they did in the 1980s. They treated the politics of Jammu and Kashmir as their fiefdom. They did not want anyone else to rise politically, otherwise, why would they have halted the elections for Panchayats, BDCs, and DDCs?
Development and progress in Jammu and Kashmir
Underscoring the government’s dedication to the development and progress that Jammu and Kashmir achieved, Shri Modi said, “The Kashmir Valley is now connected by rail. This will benefit apple farmers and other fruit and vegetable growers. Your produce will reach major markets across the country at lower costs. Increased connectivity will boost the tourism sector, and new factories, industries, and businesses will be established here.”
The PM emphasized the improved security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, citing the successful organization of events like the G-20 summit, sports car racing, and Khelo India Winter Games. He also highlighted the increased connectivity, including the rail link to the Kashmir Valley, which will benefit farmers and boost tourism.
The Prime Minister highlighted his government’s efforts to provide education and employment opportunities to the youth. “In the past five years, around 50,000 children whose education had been interrupted were re-enrolled in school,” he said. Additionally, 250 schools are being upgraded to PM Shri Schools, and numerous degree colleges, and engineering and polytechnic colleges have been built.
Restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood
The Prime Minister outlined the BJP’s plans for the poor, farmers, youth, and women, including increased financial support and access to free healthcare. He also reiterated the party’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. He said, “In Jammu and Kashmir, we are focused only on development and rapid progress. Today, new playgrounds have been built for children. The beauty around Dal Lake and Jhelum, electric buses running on the streets of Srinagar, and the bustling Polo View market, all these are signs of the new and improved Jammu and Kashmir.”