‘Succeeded in mission to win hearts of Kashmiri people’
*People in Valley have deep connection with lotus
*Naya JK has broken shackles, locals here like my family
Sanjeev Pargal
SRINAGAR, Mar 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today declared that a developed J&K is a priority for developed India and that ‘Naya Jammu and Kashmir’ is the one that they had been waiting for decades as he assured the people that development of the UT will never come to a halt.
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He asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is “breathing freely” after the abrogation of Article 370 and pledged accelerated progress over the next five years.
“This is Modi sanz (Kashmiri word) guarantee that I will not leave any stone unturned to repay debt of affection given to me by the UT people. All of you know that Modi’s Guarantee means the fulfilment of guarantee,” he added.
Describing Kashmir as ‘crown of India’, Modi while addressing a mammoth rally at Bakshi Stadium here said: ”The ‘Naya Jammu and Kashmir is the one that we had been waiting for decades. Main Hoon Modi Ka Parivar (I’m part of the Modi family) is in the hearts of Kashmir and the people of my family stay in my heart”.
“Maine Jammu Kashmir ke logon ko humesha apna parivar manna hai… Issliye Kashmir ke dil mein bhi yehi hai ki mein bhi Modi ka parivar hoon (I have always treated people of Jammu and Kashmir as my family… That is why Kashmir also feels in its heart that it is also Modi’s family),” he said while assuring that the journey on the path of development will not stop.
Modi said the new Jammu and Kashmir has the spark for the future in its eyes and “140 crore citizens feel at peace when they see the smiling faces of the people of Jammu and Kashmir”.
On the dais were Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh and Rajya Sabha Member Ghulam Ali Khatana while there was huge crowd at the Bakshi Stadium which eagerly awaited the Prime Minister right from the morning.
The Prime Minister launched projects worth Rs 6400 crore virtually from the rally venue and interacted with the youth.
Praising the beauty of Kashmir, Narendra Modi said that his mission was to win the hearts of Kashmiri people and that he has succeeded in his efforts.
He said that every time he came to Kashmir, his priority was to win hearts and minds of people here.
“Today, after seeing you (crowd), I can say that I have succeeded in winning the hearts of Kashmiri people. But I won’t stop here, my efforts will continue to win people’s hearts…,” he said.
He said that it is not easy to explain the feeling after landing on the “paradise on earth called Kashmir.” “The feeling of landing on Dharti Ka Swarg (Paradise on Earth) can’t be explained in words. The beautiful mountains and the aura are heart touching,” he said.
He said that today the dream of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherji has been fulfilled and his sacrifice has yielded a result. “Today, I can see that can overcome all challenges. Today, 140 cr citizens of India are heaving a sigh of relief after seeing Viksit J&K,” he said.
”I assure that the development works in Jammu and Kashmir will not stop at any cost,” he declared amid huge applause, cheers and chanting of ‘Modi Modi’ by the crowd. He added that he would leave no stone unturned in “repaying” the affection bestowed on him by the people of J&K.
Modi said the path to building a developed Jammu and Kashmir will emerge from tourism possibilities and empowerment of farmers.
“Jammu and Kashmir is not just a region but India’s head. A head held high is the symbol of development and honour. That is why a developed Jammu and Kashmir is the priority of a developed India,” he said.
On his first visit to Kashmir post abrogation of Article 370 and second to UT in a little over a fortnight, Modi said he is working to win hearts of the people and these efforts will continue.
He also gave a bit political turn to the rally saying Jammu and Kashmir has many lakes where lotuses (election symbol of the BJP) can be easily spotted.
”The logo of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association formed 50 years ago, also has a lotus. Is it a coincidence or a sign of nature that the BJP’s symbol is also a lotus and Jammu and Kashmir has a deep connection with the lotus,” he said.
Asserting that talent of youth of Jammu and Kashmir is now being fully respected as a result of his Government’s decision to scrap Article 370, Modi said: ”Today, everyone here has equal opportunity and equal rights”.
Modi again targeted the dynastic parties of Jammu and Kashmir albeit without naming Abdullahs, Gandhis and Muftis saying Jammu and Kashmir was the biggest victim of dynastic politics.
”Troubled by the development of India and Jammu and Kashmir, dynasts are making personal attacks against me. They are saying Modi has no family. But the country is giving them a befitting reply. In every corner of the country people are saying ‘Main Hoon Modi ka Parivar’ (I am Modi’s family),” he said.
”Dynastic politics in J&K had deprived the right to reservation to Other Backward Classes in Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies which were given now by the Central Government.”Today, every class is being given its rights,” he added.
Modi also referred to grant of rights to West Pakistani refugees, SC category status to Valmikis, reservation in the Legislative Assembly to Scheduled Tribes (STs) and ST status to Paharis, Paddaris, Gadda Brahmins and Kolis.
Modi said the new Jammu and Kashmir has the spark for the future in its eyes and “140 crore citizens feel at peace when they see the smiling faces of the people of Jammu and Kashmir”.
“Jammu and Kashmir has been the biggest victim of dynastic politics since independence. Congress misguided the nation about Article 370 but who did it benefit? Did it benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir or a few political families ? he asked.
“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,” the Prime Minister said.
“Jammu and Kashmir has broken the shackles after the abrogation of Article 370,” he added.
The rally was the first by a Prime Minister at the Bakshi Stadium here.
He greeted people on Ramadan and Shivratri.
In the next few days, Ramazan is going to begin. I want to extend my best wishes to the people of the country for Ramazan…Tomorrow, we will celebrate Maha Shivratri, I extend my best wishes to the people of the country for Maha Shivratri as well,” the PM said.
Announcing significant projects totalling nearly Rs 5,000 crore to boost the agricultural sector, Modi expressed gratitude for the warm reception, acknowledging the essence of Kashmir’s beauty and the affection of its people.
“This unparalleled form of nature, the air, the valley, the environment and the love and affection of Kashmiri brothers and sisters,” he said after the rousing reception and acknowledged the presence of citizens outside the venue, and more than one lakh people from 285 blocks connected to the event via video link.
Modi recalled the time when laws implemented in the country did not apply to Jammu and Kashmir and mentioned schemes for the welfare of the poor that could not be availed by the deprived.
The times have changed now as all sections of the society are now being given their due, he said.
He highlighted the importance of tourism, farmer empowerment and youth leadership in propelling the region towards prosperity.
He urged the tourists visiting Kashmir to spend at least five to 10 per cent of their tour packages on shopping which will generate livelihood and job opportunities for the locals.
“You cannot come, see and go back. You should spend 5 to 10 per cent on shopping. I have also purchased from here,” he said.
Modi on Thursday advocated for ‘Wed in India’ campaign to encourage citizens to opt for domestic destinations for weddings to support local tourism and asked non-resident Indians to participate in the ‘Chalo India’ programme by sending their family members to explore the country.
The Prime Minister also advised against overseas destination weddings, advocating for ‘Wed in India’ instead, promoting domestic tourism and the beauty of Kashmir.
He also asked the countrymen not to go abroad for destination weddings but choose a location within the country.
“People should think about ‘Wed in India’. They should not go abroad to spend their money and instead visit Kashmir,” he added.
He underscored that the development of Jammu and Kashmir is integral to India’s progress, depicting the region as the crown jewel of the nation.
Encouraging tourists to contribute to the local economy through shopping, he also called upon NRIs to participate in the ‘Chalo India’ initiative.
Among the initiatives unveiled were projects to enhance tourism, infrastructure, and cultural exchange, including the ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll’ and the “Chalo India Global Diaspora” campaign.
The Prime Minister said when intentions are noble and there is a determination to fulfil commitments, results are bound to follow. He referred to the successful hosting of the G-20 meeting in Jammu and Kashmir which, he said, boosted tourist arrivals in the Union Territory with more than two crore tourists visiting in 2023.
“In 2023 alone, Jammu and Kashmir welcomed over two 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 among celebrities and international guests, the Prime Minister said now “even prominent celebrities and foreign guests visit the valleys of Jammu and Kashmir to explore and create videos and reels”.
With his engagement with newly recruited Government employees and beneficiaries of Central schemes, the Prime Minister underscored his commitment to inclusive development.
Also the launch of the “Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign” aims to harness the potential of the Indian diaspora in promoting tourism and bolstering cultural ties. Through these concerted efforts, Modi seeks to weave a tapestry of progress and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, Modi dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth more than Rs 6,400 crore at the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir’ programme here.
The projects included holistic agriculture development programme worth about Rs 5,000 crore and multiple projects related to the tourism sector worth more than Rs 1,400 crore under ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and ‘PRASHAD’ scheme including the project for ‘Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine’, Srinagar, officials said.
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 Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme, they said.
He also distributed appointment orders to about 1,000 new Government recruits of Jammu and Kashmir and interacted with the beneficiaries of various Government schemes including women achievers, lakhpati didis, farmers, entrepreneurs, etc.
The Prime Minister mentioned schemes for the welfare of the poor that could not be availed by the deprived.
Highlighting the change of fortunes, he said schemes for the entire nation have been launched on Thursday from here and Jammu and Kashmir is leading the way for tourism in the country.
Therefore, Modi said, people from more than 50 places in India have joined the occasion.
He touched upon the six projects that were dedicated to the nation under ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme as well as the initiation of its next phase.
Modi said that around 30 projects have been launched for various cities in the country including Srinagar while three projects have been inaugurated and 14 others launched under PRASHAD scheme.
He stated the development works being carried out in the holy Hazratbal Dargah for the convenience of the people have also been completed.
Modi further said 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 two years.
Under the campaign, the Government would develop the most preferred tourist destinations based on public opinion.
Modi mentioned the ‘Chalo India’ campaign to encourage NRIs to come to India. Congratulating the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir for the development works, he said it will help develop the tourism industry of the region and creating new employment opportunities.
Saying there was rapid pace of development in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister mentioned the establishment of two AIIMS in the UT.
He talked about seven new Medical Colleges, two Cancer Hospitals and Institutes like IIT and IIM in the region.
The PM said two Vande Bharat trains are running in Jammu and Kashmir and rail services from Srinagar to Sangaldan and from Sangaldan to Baramulla have started.
This expansion of connectivity has given a push to economic activities, he added.
Referring to new projects to make Jammu and Srinagar as smart cities, the Prime Minister said, “In the coming times, the success story of Jammu and Kashmir will become an example for the whole world.”
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