The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the ‘Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K’ event at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir today. The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects in J&K worth more than Rs 1,500 crores encompassing the sectors of road, water supply, and infrastructure in higher education. He also launched Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) worth Rs 1,800 crores. Shri Modi also initiated handing out employment letters to 200 fresh government recruits. On the occasion, the Prime Minister took a walkthrough of the exhibition and interacted with young achievers of the Union Territory. 

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed excitement about his visit to Jammu & Kashmir and mentioned two specific reasons for it. He said, “Firstly, today’s event is related to the inauguration and foundation stone laying of developmental projects in Jammu & Kashmir and secondly, this is the first meeting with the people of Jammu & Kashmir after the Lok Sabha elections.” Recalling his recent visit to Italy for the G7 Summit, the Prime Minister highlighted the impact of continuity of the government for three terms as it has changed the outlook of the world towards India. He also said that all time high aspirations of Indians are the nation’s biggest strength. He said that this high aspiration leads to high expectations from the government and in this backdrop, the third continuous term of the government is special as the only parameter of an aspirational society is performance. “People have faith in the intentions and policies of the government”, he added. 

The Prime Minister said that the big message of people’s mandate in this Lok Sabha Elections is that of stability. He recalled the long phase of unstable governments in the last decade of the last century when the country witnessed 5 elections in 10 years resulting in development coming to a standstill. “Leaving that phase behind, India has now entered a new phase of stable government leading to strengthening of democracy.” He also noted the role of the people of Jammu & Kashmir in this strengthening of democracy. “We are witnessing Atal ji’s vision of Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat aur Kashmiriyat, turning into a reality today”, PM Modi said. Mentioning record voter turnout in the recent elections, the Prime Minister praised the trust of the people of Jammu & Kashmir in democracy. “I have come to express my thanks for your efforts for keeping the flag of democracy high”, he added. 

“The transformation in Jammu & Kashmir is a result of the work done by the government in the last 10 years”, Prime Minister Modi said. Pointing out that the women and people from lower income backgrounds in the region were deprived of their rights, the Prime Minister said that the present government worked towards bringing opportunities and restoring their rights by adopting the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’. The Prime Minister highlighted that the refugees migrating from Pakistan, people from the Valmiki community and families of Safai Karamcharis got their voting rights for the first time. He also mentioned 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 also underlined that OBC reservation has been made applicable in the Panchayat, Nagar Palika and Nagar Nigam elections. Throwing light on the power of the Constitution of India and its significance in letter and spirit, the Prime Minister underlined that it enshrines the rights of the 140 crore citizens of India and provides opportunities to become a partner in nation-building. PM Modi also lamented the non-acceptance of the Constitution of India and the neglect shown towards Jammu & Kashmir since independence. “I am delighted that today, we are living the Constitution of India. Through the Constitution, we are finding new ways to change the face of Kashmir for good”, the Prime Minister said with pride. “The Constitution of India has finally been adopted by Jammu & Kashmir in the true sense”, PM Modi exclaimed, “The walls of Article 370 have been brought down.”

Referring to the developments that have taken place in Kashmir in the last 10 years, the Prime Minister said that the world is witness to the recent changes in the Kashmir valley. It continues to praise the people of the valley for their hospitality during the G20 Summit. He said that the organization of a global event like the G20 Summit in the valley has made the people of Kashmir proud. Seeing children continue to play at Lal Chowk till late in the evening fills every Indian’s heart with joy. Similarly, the bustling markets of the valley light up everyone’s face. Recalling the sports car show held near Dal Lake in March this year, Shri Modi said the whole world watched that program, which stands as a testimony to the progress in the valley. He mentioned how tourism in Kashmir has become the talk of the town, adding that tomorrow’s International Yoga Day programme will attract even more tourists here. Quoting Lieutenant Governor Sinha, the Prime Minister said that the figure of over 2 crores tourists visiting the valley is record-breaking and contributes significantly to the local economy. 

“I am devoted myself with full dedication and honesty to ensure that a way out of the past generation’s miseries may be found. We are making all possible effort to remove all distances whether of the heart or of Delhi (Dil ya Dilli)”, PM Modi stressed. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to ensure that the fruits of democracy reach every family and person. He said that every paisa of central assistance is spent on the welfare of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. “What can be better than the people of Jammu & Kashmir selecting their representative and tackling their problems through them. That is why preparations for the assembly elections have started. The day is not far when you will select the new government of Jammu & Kashmir with your own vote. The day will come soon when Jammu & Kashmir will shape its future as a state once again”, the Prime Minister said.