SRINAGAR,SEPT 19 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered an impassioned address at SK Stadium in Srinagar, celebrating what he termed “the new Kashmir” and underscoring the region’s strides towards peace and development.
Addressing a diverse crowd of youth, elderly, and women, Modi expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized his commitment to the region’s future.
“Jammu and Kashmir will again become a state, and the BJP will fulfill this promise. To achieve this and ensure lasting peace, you must come out and vote in the second phase of elections to break all records,” Modi urged.
He highlighted that a robust mandate for the BJP would facilitate further stability and development in the region.
“Today, I see the people in a huge crowd—the youth, the elderly, women. This is the new Kashmir,” PM Modi said, receiving cheers from the audience. “We all want development and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Today, my Kashmiri people are saying ‘Kushamdeed PM,’ and I thank you all for this warm welcome.”
The Prime Minister lauded the recent voting in the first phase as a milestone for democracy. “Yesterday, for the first time without terrorist threats, voting happened peacefully,” he noted. “In Kishtwar, 80 percent voting was recorded, and in other districts, the turnout broke records. This is Naya Kashmir, and the credit goes to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Modi stressed the significance of this change, saying that the world is now witnessing the democratic aspirations of the region’s people. “This shows that the people of J&K have high aspirations. The world is watching democracy in Jammu and Kashmir, and I congratulate you for this.”
Reflecting on past political challenges, Modi criticized the dominance of three families—the Congress, National Conference (NC), and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)—accusing them of creating obstacles for the region. “These three families are responsible for Kashmir’s problems,” he said. “They thought they could forcibly gain power, but now the youth are challenging them.”
He detailed how these families’ political maneuvers deprived many young people of educational opportunities. “In the valley, many youths aged 30 were unable to continue their studies because of these three families,” Modi claimed. “Schools were burned, and new schools were not created. They gave stones to the youth for their own gains. But now, Jammu and Kashmir is moving towards peace and employment. This is my guarantee to you.”
PM Modi highlighted the government’s efforts to bring positive changes, including educational advancements. “Now, the youth no longer hold stones in their hands; they have laptops and books. I want the youth to be literate and have employment opportunities here,” he affirmed. “In the last five years, 50,000 students who couldn’t go to school due to the turmoil have been given admission, and pre-primary classes have started.”
He also outlined improvements in educational infrastructure, such as engineering colleges and medical seats. “Now, the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are not vulnerable; they are strong,” he declared. “The J&K BJP has announced numerous initiatives for the youth. The three families who claimed to uphold ‘Jamhooriyat’ and ‘Kashmiriyat’ only destroyed it. But we have given a chance to everyone who believes in democracy.”
Modi concluded by reflecting on the region’s progress, noting that areas once considered no-go zones are now experiencing peace and normalcy. “Once, no one would dare come to Lal Chowk to hoist the flag. But now, after 30 years, Muharram processions are being taken out. Markets are open late into the night. This peace has been achieved by you, not by Modi.”
