19/09/2024
PM Vows to Liberate J&K Free from Shadows of Militancy, Political Dynasties
Blames Congress, NC, PDP for region’s past instability; seeks votes for party’s Lal Chowk constituency contesting candidate Er Aijaz Hussain
Srinagar 19 Sep (CNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a massive public rally in Srinagar, pledged to liberate Jammu and Kashmir from the shadows of terrorism and political dynasties.
As per the news agency CNS, PM strongly condemned the role of three prominent political families — National Conference (NC), and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) — for contributing to the instability, fear, and backwardness in the region, while promising a future of development, education, and peace.
Addressing the gathering, Modi commended the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their participation in the ongoing democratic processes, noting historic voter turnout in the first phase of elections in districts such as Kishtwar (80%), Doda (71%), and Ramban (70%). "This is a new history being written in Kashmir," he said, underscoring the shift towards democratic engagement and away from the violence that once plagued the region.
"Today, the world is seeing how the people of Jammu and Kashmir are strengthening India's democracy," Modi stated, adding that the large voter participation was a rejection of fear and violence. He credited the "new Kashmir" for choosing the path of progress and development, with youth, women, and elders coming together to support a peaceful and prosperous future.
In a sharp critique, Modi accused the Congress, NC, and PDP leadership of monopolizing power for decades, robbing Jammu and Kashmir of its rightful opportunities. He said these political dynasties had not only kept power in their hands but also pushed the youth into the clutches of terrorism and prevented educational progress.
“Their political agenda was to deprive you of your legitimate rights, to keep you in fear and anarchy,” he charged. He lamented that many of the youth, particularly those aged between 20-30, had suffered educational deprivation due to this political mismanagement. "It wasn’t the youth who failed; it was these three families who failed you," Modi said, stating that under their rule, young Kashmiris often took more years to complete basic education due to the instability that pervaded the region.
Modi laid out his government’s efforts to rejuvenate education in Jammu and Kashmir, sharing that over 50,000 students who had been forced to leave school due to conflict are now back in classrooms. The introduction of pre-primary classes in 15,000 schools and the upgrading of 250 schools to PM SHRI Schools has benefited more than 1.5 lakh children. He also highlighted the establishment of several degree colleges, engineering colleges, and a new political science college in Awantipora.
Medical education has seen a significant boost, with over 1,100 new medical seats, 1,500 nursing seats, and 1,600 paramedical seats added in the last five years. Modi emphasized that these developments are empowering Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, providing them with the skills and education needed to build strong futures.
"We are ensuring that government jobs are awarded on merit, without any fraud," he assured, referring to the rampant allegations of corruption during previous governments.
Modi reiterated his commitment to bringing peace to Jammu and Kashmir, declaring that every force conspiring against the region’s stability will be defeated. He pointed out that today, children are armed with pens, books, and laptops instead of stones, thanks to the region’s newfound peace. Schools and colleges are operating smoothly, with no reports of violence or fires that once plagued educational institutions.
Under his government, he said, the focus is on providing free electricity, improving infrastructure, and creating new institutions like AIIMS, medical colleges, and IITs. “We are building a Jammu and Kashmir that is progressing and secure,” Modi declared, reiterating that his government’s goal is to bring the region back to statehood under conditions of complete normalcy and prosperity.
Modi paid tribute to Mohammad Shafi Pandit, one of Kashmir’s first IAS officers, acknowledging his service to the region. He also expressed solidarity with Kashmiri Pandits and Sikh communities, who he said had been victims of oppression and displacement due to the selfish politics of Congress, NC, and PDP.
"Kashmiri Pandits nurtured Kashmiriyat, but these political families made them homeless," Modi remarked. He criticized the former regimes for remaining silent in the face of atrocities committed against minorities in the region.
"Congress-NC-PDP only divided the region, but BJP is uniting it. We are bridging the distance between 'Dil' and Delhi," he said, referencing his party’s focus on fostering national unity.
Closing his address, PM Modi expressed satisfaction with the progress made in Jammu and Kashmir under his administration. He promised continued efforts to provide employment, restore education, and establish long-term peace, ensuring that no generation in Jammu and Kashmir will suffer as past ones did.
"Jammu and Kashmir will become a state again, and it will be under the BJP's leadership," Modi concluded, assuring people that the region’s future is one of hope, progress, and unity.
At the end of his 40-minute speech, Modi sought votes for Er Aijaz Hussain contesting Lal Chowk constituency candidate and asked the people to come out in large numbers and to break all recordings on September 25.
