Statehood To J&K our commitment, waiting for Appropriate Time to Restore it: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the government is waiting for the right moment to implement this promise. In an interview with Aaj Tak, Modi highlighted that this assurance has been made in Parliament, and the government is determined to fulfill it when conditions are suitable. He used the metaphor, “The crop of wheat will grow during its season,” to underline the importance of timing in this decision.
Modi commended the record voting turnout of 36 percent in the Srinagar Parliamentary polls, describing it as a celebratory event with people engaging in singing, clapping, and offering tea. He attributed this high turnout to the government’s effective policies and lack of religious discrimination. Modi’s remarks came in the context of the first Lok Sabha election since the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into Union Territories in August 2019.
Reflecting on past measures, Modi defended the government’s decision to suspend internet services in Kashmir, despite facing criticism. He stated that such actions were necessary to save lives and prevent the youth from being misled. He contrasted the period from 2004 to 2014, marked by significant violence and loss of lives, with the relative calm from 2014 to 2024, highlighting the reduction in casualties.
During a rally in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Modi highlighted the significance of the peaceful and high voter turnout in Srinagar on May 13. He pointed out that this election broke records for participation over the past three decades, demonstrating the public’s trust in the Indian Constitution and their enthusiasm for democratic processes. Modi asserted that the successful conduct of the elections without hartals or violence validated the government’s approach in Jammu and Kashmir.
Modi underscored that the increased voter turnout in Srinagar indicated the permanence of the changes brought by the abrogation of Article 370. He argued that the enthusiasm shown by the people during the elections is proof that there is no turning back to the previous status, thereby discrediting any opposition promises to reinstate Article 370.
Addressing security concerns, Modi recalled a time when the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir was dire, and families of security personnel lived in constant fear. He claimed that his administration has significantly improved the security landscape in the region, ensuring peace and stability. He criticized opposition parties for their alleged leniency towards terrorism and their political exploitation of security issues.
Modi also took the opportunity to criticize the INDIA bloc, accusing them of undermining the army’s valor and pledging to repeal key legislations like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) if they come to power. He suggested that the opposition’s stance on these issues reveals a continuation of their previous policies, which he claimed fostered terrorism and insecurity.
In conclusion, Modi asserted that the opposition’s silence on key issues like Kashmir and Article 370 during the election campaign indicates their lack of a viable agenda. He portrayed his government’s policies as a break from the past, ensuring security and promoting democracy, contrasting sharply with what he described as the opposition’s legacy of insecurity and political opportunism.
