Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that Jammu and Kashmir will regain its statehood, a decision strategically timed with the Supreme Court’s order for elections to be held in September this year. This announcement comes during Modi’s first visit to the valley after becoming Prime Minister for the third consecutive time.
Modi stressed the importance of allowing the people of Jammu and Kashmir to elect their Assembly representatives. Speaking at the ‘Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K’ event at SKICC, he praised the people’s active participation in the Lok Sabha elections and emphasized the need for them to select their local leaders in the upcoming Assembly elections.
In Srinagar, Modi announced that the Centre has taken “serious note” of recent terror attacks in the Union Territory, as he inaugurated 84 development projects worth Rs 1,500 crore and agriculture sector-related projects worth Rs 1,800 crore.
He mentioned that the Union Home Minister has reviewed the security situation and assured that those against the interests of J&K will receive a fitting response. Recalling the “uncertainty” of the 1990s, the Prime Minister said the 2024 election results have conveyed a message of stability.
Modi’s Strategic Moves and Their Impact on Jammu and Kashmir
Regarding Assembly elections in the Union Territory, Modi indicated that preparations were in progress and elections would be held soon. “The time is close when you will choose the new government of Jammu and Kashmir with your votes. That day will also come soon when Jammu and Kashmir will once again secure a better future as a state,” he stated during his speech.
Modi suggested that statehood for Jammu and Kashmir would be restored soon, reiterating that the removal of Article 370 in August 2019 had more fully integrated the region with the rest of India.
The Modi government’s promises regarding statehood and its subsequent revocation are strategically planned moves. After revoking Article 370, the Modi government prevented the elected chief minister from taking office, instead appointing a governor, which is a clear violation of state rights and democracy.
This act, along with the state’s bifurcation, has invoked feelings of anger and resentment towards the central government and its ulterior motives of gaining absolute political control over the region.
The imposition of a curfew in the valley and the arrest of opposition leaders to suppress any form of protest against the revocation is a blatant attempt to silence local voices. These actions have further fueled distrust and frustration among the local population, highlighting the central government’s disregard for democratic principles and the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir.
PM Modi Vows Strong Response to Recent Terror Attacks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Thursday that the central government is taking the recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir “seriously.” He asserted that the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir would be dealt with decisively, emphasizing, “Koi kasar baaki nahi chodenge.”
Speaking at the ‘Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K’ event in Srinagar, Modi mentioned that Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the J&K administration have reviewed the security situation in the Union Territory. This statement follows four terror attacks that occurred in early June across different parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Several terror incidents have occurred in Reasi, Kathua, and Doda since June 9, resulting in nine pilgrims’ deaths, a CRPF jawan’s death, civilian injuries, and at least seven security personnel injuries.
