Special status to J&K offered nothing but separatism: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, a new era has begun for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh with the revocation of Article 370. 

Addressing the nation last evening, the Prime Minister said, as a nation, the country has taken a historic decision. 

The Prime Minister said, when some things are there forever, it is presumed that they will never change or go away and Article 370 was something similar. 

Mr. Modi said, region's special status offered it nothing but separatism, terrorism, corruption and family rule, while giving a handle to Pakistan to push its divisive agenda.

The Prime Minister said, decades of dynastic politics in Jammu and Kashmir deprived the youth of the opportunity to lead from the front. He said, now the youth of Jammu and Kashmir will lead the development and take it to a new height. 

Mr Modi said, in the new system, it will be the priority of the central government that the employees of the state, the Jammu and Kashmir police, get equal facilities at par with the employees of the other Union Territories and the police. 

Mr. Modi also said, his government respects objections of those who are opposed to the decision and was working to address them. He, however, asked them to put national interests supreme and help the government in giving Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh a new direction. 

The Prime Minister remembered several bravehearts from Jammu and Kashmir who sacrificed their lives for the region, saying they all wanted peace and prosperity in the Valley and we have to realise their dreams. 

Describing Jammu



and Kashmir as the crown of India, Mr. Modi said many police and defence personnel from the region and other parts of the country had sacrificed their lives for its peace and prosperity.  

Mr Modi said, as panchayat elections were conducted with transparency, in the same way Assembly elections will also be held. 

Mr Modi said, after the formation of the Union Territory, the development of the people of Ladakh, is the special responsibility of the Central government. He said, it is time that people of Ladakh benefit from the region's rich biodiversity, while its medicinal plants and herbs get global recognition. 

Mr. Modi said, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh have the potential to become the biggest tourist destination in the world. He said, there was a time when Kashmir was the favourite destination of several Bollywood filmmakers. 

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that in the near future even international films will be shot there.

Prime Minister Modi said, his government will work sincerely for a "Naya Jammu Kashmir and Naya Ladakh". He said, the patriotic people of Jammu and Kashmir have stood up against terrorism and separatism, and that his government will work towards fulfilling their aspirations. 

Mr. Modi also complimented the security forces for maintaining peace in the Valley and said people of Jammu & Kashmir will be able to celebrate Eid without any difficulties. 

The Prime Minister assured that the government is ensuring they don't face any difficulties in celebrating Eid on 12th August.