On his first visit to Srinagar after the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lashed out at the Congress and other dynasts for misleading the people on Article 370 for their political gains.

“For decades, the Congress and its allies misled the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the country for political gains in the name of Article 370. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are now aware of the truth about whether Jammu and Kashmir benefited from Article 370 or only a few families took advantage of it. The talent of Jammu and Kashmir is getting its due respect today as there is no Article 370 now,” Modi said.

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Modi unveiled a slew of development projects worth more than Rs.5,000 crore before addressing a public meeting in the Bakshi Stadium. Underlining that the new Jammu and Kashmir has been awaited for decades, the prime minister said, “Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerji had sacrificed for this Jammu and Kashmir.”

He stated that the new Jammu and Kashmir has the sparkle for the future in its eyes and the determination to clear all obstacles. “140 crore citizens feel at peace when they see the smiling faces of the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” Modi said.

Expressing his gratitude for the affection of the people who had turned out in large numbers to listen to him, he said “I have always treated the people of J&K as my family and Modi will not leave any stone unturned to repay this debt of affection. I have been doing all this hard work since 2014 to win your hearts and I believe that I am on the right path. I will continue my efforts to win your hearts. This is Modi’s guarantee and all of you know that Modi’s guarantee means the guarantee of fulfilment of the guarantee”

“The feeling of coming to this heaven on earth is beyond words. There was an era when the law implemented in other parts of the country could not be enforced in Jammu and Kashmir. There was an era when schemes for the welfare of the poor were implemented across the country, but our brothers and sisters of Jammu and Kashmir were deprived of the benefits. And see now, how the times have changed,” Modi said.

“Jammu and Kashmir is not only a region but is the crown of India. A head held high is the sign of development,” he added.

Stating that the youth of J&K were not allowed to exhibit their talent before the abrogation of Article 370, Modi said, “Freedom from restrictions has come after the removal of Article 370. Did J&K benefit from Article 370 or were only a few political families taking advantage of it, he asked. The people of J&K have come to know the truth that they were misled. J&K was kept in chains for the benefit of a few families. Today there is no 370, hence the talent of the youth of J&K is being fully respected and they are getting new opportunities. Today there are equal rights and equal opportunities for everyone here.”

The Prime Minister pointed out that J&K has been a victim of dynastic rule and corruption.

The prime minister noted, “There was a time when people questioned who would visit Jammu and Kashmir for tourism. Today, Jammu and Kashmir is breaking all tourism records.”

He further elaborated, “In 2023 alone, over 2 crore tourists visited J&K, surpassing previous records. Over the past 10 years, the Amarnath Yatra has witnessed the highest number of pilgrims participating, and Vaishno Devi also recorded a significant increase in devotee footfall.” Highlighting the surge in foreign tourist arrivals and the growing attraction for celebrities and international guests, the Prime Minister stated, “Now, even prominent celebrities and foreign guests visit the valleys of Jammu and Kashmir to explore and create videos and reels.”

Recalling that J&K has been a favourite destination of film makers, Modi said, “Now my mission is to promote it as a wedding destination. People should come to J&K to host their weddings so that the locals also get economic benefits.”

The prime minister emphasised the strength of Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural produce, including saffron, apples, dried fruits, and cherries, branding the region as a significant agricultural hub. The Rs 5,000 crore agricultural development program will result in unprecedented growth in the agricultural sector of Jammu and Kashmir over the next 5 years, particularly focusing on horticulture and livestock development. “This initiative will create thousands of new opportunities, especially in the fields of horticulture and animal husbandry,” he assured.

Dwelling on the transformation of the J&K Bank the prime minister recalled the mismanagement of the past and called it a victim of dynasty politics and corruption. He listed the reforms to restore the health of the bank. He mentioned 1000 crore rupees in assistance to the bank and action against wrongful appointments. The Anti-Corruption Bureau is still investigating thousands of such appointments.

On reaching Srinagar, Modi shared on X his picture of seeing the majestic Shankracharaya Temple Hill from a distance. He also interacted with young achievers and handed over appointment letters to kin of police martyrs. He also handed over appointment letters to 1000 youths.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and J&K LT Governor Manoj Sinha accompanied the prime minister.