Srinagar,In a historic visit to Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to continue winning the hearts of Kashmiris, attributing newfound freedom to the abrogation of Article 370. Addressing a lively audience at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, PM Modi took a swipe at the Congress and its allies for decades of misinformation regarding Article 370.
Highlighting the progress in the region, PM Modi announced a ₹1,400 crore boost for the tourism sector, emphasizing the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes, along with the Hazratbal Shrine project. He distributed 1,000 employment letters to locals and launched the ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign.’
PM Modi, expressing gratitude for the warm reception, acknowledged Kashmir as his ‘parivaar’ or family. He criticized past regimes for nearly collapsing the J&K Bank, stressing on corrective measures taken by his government resulting in a profit of ₹1,700 crore.
The Prime Minister also urged Indians to participate in the ‘Wed in Kashmir’ campaign, promoting weddings in the picturesque region. He lauded the success of the G-20 meeting and the record tourist footfall, with over two crore visitors in 2023.
Allocating ₹5,000 crore for the farming sector, PM Modi promised increased cold storages and warehouses in Kashmir. He highlighted the region’s progress with two AIIMS, seven medical colleges, two cancer hospitals, and the emergence of Jammu and Srinagar as smart cities.
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha echoed the positive developments post Article 370 abrogation, emphasizing the return of late-night life and the dismantling of the terrorism ecosystem. Sinha highlighted initiatives such as pedestrian markets and the Jhelum riverfront under the Smart City initiative.
PM Modi concluded by stating that the success story of Kashmir is gaining global attention, promising to feature it in his ‘Maan ki Baat’ broadcasts. The region is not just a political focus but is emerging as a winter sports capital, hosting events like the Khelo India Winter Games.
