New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that they will get to choose their elected representatives soon. In a special address to the nation, the PM said the union territory status for the newly-carved out region of J&K will only be temporary in nature except for the Ladakh region.
He said the decision to keep J&K directly under Central administration for a brief period was a well thought over decision. Since Governor rule was implemented in J&K, the state administration has been directly in touch with the Centre due to which the effects of good governance can be seen on the ground.
This is the first time the PM spoke about the abrogation of Artice 370 since the Presidential assent and passage of legislation by Parliament to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir.
Here is a snapshot of what the PM said.
- Article 370 had only given terrorism, separatism, nepotism and massive corruptions; these articles have been used as a weapon by Pakistan. Terrorism has killed at least 42,000 people during the last 30 years.
- The abolition of Article 370 will usher in development in the region, accelerate development and provide a ray of hope for the youth.
- I want to make it clear, your representative will be elected by you, your representative will come from amongst you… You will continue to have MLAs, continue to have a Cabinet, you will continue to have a Chief Minister in Jammu and Kashmir, the PM assured the people in the valley.
- He said none of the Central acts applied to J&K, excluding the people in the state from deriving socio-economic benefits enjoyed by the rest of the country.
- Modi appealed to the public and private sector units to come forward and invest in the state.
- He asked Bollywood, South Indian film industry and international producers to shoot in the region.
- He said government employees including the police force will now be able to enjoy all the perks and benefits that officials in other union territories enjoy.
- Modi said recruitment in the Army in J&K will be taken up in a big way.
- He said new IITs, IIMs and AIIMS will be set up in the state.
- In view of the upcoming Eid celebration, he assured the people of J&K that all measures will be taken to help them observe the festival. All help will also be extended to those visiting families from outside during the celebrations.
- The PM also exhorted on extensive tourism promotion in the State, saying it has all that is required to draw tourists in hordes from across the globe.
