Prime Minister Narendra Modi today assured that Jammu & Kashmir will soon have a chief minister and elected representatives. Jammu & Kashmir will soon have assembly elections, he said, adding that it would be under the Centre’s rule for some time. Ladakh though, would remain under direct control of the Centre, he said.
The PM today addressed the nation on national television, the first time since Union Home Secretary Amit Shah announced on Monday about the Centre’s decision on abrogating Article 370 that split the state into two union territories – Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The Prime Minister said that the decision will help realise the dreams of Sardar Parel, Dr S P Mookerjee and many others. He said that there had been nearly 42,000 deaths in militancy and progress had been stuck for decades due to this.
PM Modi in his 40-minute speech said that the historic decision had been taken by the Centre after a lot of deliberation and it would be good for the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and help the progress of the people and help in development. He said that there can be Indian Institute of Technology, and Indian Institute of Management, more centres for education, technology, jobs and industry there. He said that the decision will also be good for women who can get equal rights.
He added that the area can become one of the most sought after tourist destinations, shooting spot for films, sports. Ladakh was going to be a big responsibility for the Centre, he said, and would be developed well with more jobs and development.
According to PM Modi, “We respect the dissent and that is the essence of democracy. The Centre is trying to answer the questions that are being raised. But I would request that national interest be their priority, and they help the government to develop the area.” He said that people have to work together for the progress irrespective of who voted in favour of the decision and who did not.
He said that abrogation of Article 370 was now a reality. And whatever the inconvenience, it was the people of the area who were dealing with it. He said that “the local population will answer the handful of people who were trying to create disturbance in the area”. According to the PM, Pakistan’s attempt to create trouble will be answered by the people too.
“People of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have the right to a good life. I want to assure the people of Jammu & Kashmir that the situation will normalise,” he said.
The Prime Minister also wished the people on Eid, and said that the government will ensure that people can celebrate Eid and would help those who want to go home for the occasion. He also praised the police and armed forces in maintaining peace of the situation.
