On J&K statehood, PM Modi says ‘soon’: Preparations for Assembly polls have begun

“Preparations for Assembly elections have begun. The day is not far when the people of Jammu and Kashmir will vote to elect their government,” Modi said, adding, “The day will also come soon when Jammu and Kashmir, in the form of a state, will make a better future for itself.”

The PM arrived in Srinagar on Thursday evening, and went to the SKICC, where he inspected exhibition stalls set up by various start-ups. He then inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 84 projects worth Rs 1,500 crore in the infrastructure, education and health sectors. He also issued appointment letters to 2,000 people who had got employment in various government departments.

The PM said he was in Kashmir to “personally thank the people” for raising the flag of democracy high in the recently held parliamentary elections. (PTI)

The PM said he was in Kashmir to “personally thank the people” for raising the flag of democracy high in the recently held parliamentary elections.

“This morning, when I was preparing for my Srinagar visit, I was excited. When I thought about why I was so excited, two reasons came to my mind – there is a third reason as well, which is that I have worked here for a long time and have been introduced to a lot of people. One reason was the developmental projects of Jammu and Kashmir and the second was that it was my first interaction with you after the parliamentary elections,” he said.

“You made democracy win. You broke all records (for voter turnout) of the last 35-40 years. It shows that the youth here have deep trust in democracy. I wanted to visit the Kashmir Valley to thank the people. You have kept the flag of democracy aloft and I have come to thank you,” he said.

“Atal ji (former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee) gave us a vision of ‘insaniyat, jamhooriyat and Kashmiriyat’, and we are turning that into a reality,” Modi said, adding, “We will try to remove all the distances, whether it is the distance from dil (heart) or Dilli.”

“There have been some terror activities recently and we have taken them seriously,” he said. “The Home Minister took a review meeting. I assure you that we will teach a lesson to the enemies of peace. I promise that the new generation in Jammu and Kashmir will live in peace – the road you have taken, we will strengthen that.”

Modi said that the results of the parliamentary election, after which he became PM for the third consecutive time, “has sent a message to the entire world – the biggest message is of stability.”