Prime Minister Narendera Modi on Saturday appealed the misguided youth who have picked up the gun in Kashmir to shun violence and return to the mainstream and contribute towards development and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.

Modi was speaking at a function in Srinagar where he dedicated the 330 mws Kishenganga hydroelectric project to the nation and also laid foundation of the Srinagar ring road. He inaugurated and laid foundation of projects worth Rs.25,000 crores during his day long tour to the state.

He reiterated his resolve that issues in Kashmir can be solved by embracing the people and not through bullet.

Modi said that the youth who have astrayed and taken to stone pelting and picked up the gun are making their own state unstable. There is no substitute for peace and stability and it is the need of the hour to come out of such situation.

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Without naming Pakistan or anyone, Modi said there were some forces that do not want J&K to grow and we have to snub them.

The Prime Minister took the opportunity to praise the security forces for doing applaudable job in Jammu and Kashmir. The Army and security forces were helping people of the state during natural calamities and other such situations.

He said that the central government was openheartedly working for development of the state and improvement of the road infrastructure that was essential to boost economy of J&K that was full of resources and tourism potential. Moreover, development would solve every problem being faced by the people and improve their quality of life.

The PM said it was encouraging to see that the youth of J&K was becoming role model by making its presence in the central civil services and sports. The youth will also get employment opportunities in the upcoming projects in the state. In a connect with Kashmir, he said that he was in the Gurez sector to celebrate Diwali with the soldiers and has now again come to Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan

He announced that his government will not leave any stone unturned to make J&K a state with modern facilities to meet the challenges of the 21st century but for this purpose support of parents, religious leaders and intelligentsia was required.

Modi stressed that the tourism sector is the backbone of economy of the state and his government is taking measures to improve the infrastructure in this direction. Latest facilities have to be provided to tourists to attract them here.

He said that the agenda of alliance of the PDP-BJP government was being implemented and steps were being taken for rehabilitation of the displaced persons of various categories.

Speaking on the occasion, Mehbooba said that the agenda of alliance was the resolution of all issues the state was facing. She urged Modi to implement in toto the common minimum programme agreed by the two parties.

She urged Modi to take steps to heal wounds of the people of Kashmir and appreciated him for declaring the unilateral ceasefire that has come as a major relief for the people.

Earlier in the morning, Modi unveiled the plaque in Leh to mark beginning of work on the dream tunnel at Zojila in Ladakh that would cut the distance between Srinagar and Kargil by about three hours.

Modi also spoke at the closing ceremony of the Birth Centenary Celebration of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche who is respected by the Buddhists.He announced that a digital library cum museum would be established in Leh to showcase the rich heritage of the area.