PM Modi assures restoration of J&K statehood, promises assembly elections soon

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

Udhampur, April 12: Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood will be restored, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured on Friday, adding that assembly elections will take place shortly.

Addressing a public rally in Udhampur, PM Modi stated “The time is not far when assembly elections will be held in Jammu and Kashmir also. Jammu and Kashmir will get back its state status. You will be able to share your dreams with your MLAs, and your ministers.”

Jammu and Kashmir seeing progress, security improved: PM Modi

The Prime Minister expressed that his actions thus far in the region merely hint at the extensive work he plans to undertake, suggesting that there is more to come.

After several decades, he noted, elections were now being held in Jammu and Kashmir without the threat of terrorism or cross-border gunfire.

“Vikas bhi ho raha hai, vishvaas bhi badh raha hai”, he stated.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the forthcoming general election is “not just to elect a member of Parliament but to form a strong government in the country. When the government is strong, it completes by challenging the challenges.”

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PM Modi highlighted the most recent advancements observed in Jammu & Kashmir by stating, “Now schools are not burnt here, but schools are decorated. Now AIIMS, IITs and IIMs are being built here. Now modern tunnels, modern wide roads, and wonderful rail journeys are becoming the destiny of Jammu and Kashmir.”

“Be it Jammu or Kashmir, now tourists and devotees have started coming here in record numbers,” he stated.

Availability of roads, electricity, water, travel and migration

He said that Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a significant transformation in the past ten years due to the availability of roads, electricity, water, travel, and migration.

“In the 10 years, we have tightened the noose around terrorists and corrupt people. Now in the coming five years, this area has to be taken to new heights of development. Within 10 years, Jammu and Kashmir has completely changed. Roads, electricity, water, travel, migration, all these are there. But the biggest thing is that the mind of Jammu and Kashmir has changed,” he stated.

The PM said, “Trust me, I had told you to trust me and I will solve the problems plaguing Jammu and Kashmir for the last 60 years. I had guaranteed respect for the mothers and sisters here. I gave a guarantee that the poor would not have to worry about two meals a day. Today lakhs of families of Jammu and Kashmir have the guarantee of free ration for the next 5 years,” he added.

Jitendra Singh to contest from Udhampur seat for BJP

The BJP has nominated Union Minister Jitendra Singh for the Udhampur constituency, where he has been serving since 2014. Singh previously secured victory over former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in the 2014 elections.

After the Center revoked Article 370 on August 5, 2019, the former state was divided into the Union Territories (UTs) of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Elections at the local level have occurred in the area following the repeal of Article 370, such as the 2020 District Development Council polls and this year’s Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Kargil election.