After addressing the public rally here, Modi was due to inaugurate a 450 megawatt Baglihar Phase II power project outside the city. “From this stage, Atal ji had raised the slogan of “Kashmiriyat” (eclectic, Kashmiri culture), “Jamhooriyat” (democracy) and “Insaaniyat” (human values)”. (Without Kashmiriyat, India is incomplete).
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The PDP workers indulged in intense sloganeering hailing Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and party president Mehbooba Mufti.
Former PM Vajpayee had extended “hand of friendship” to Pakistan in his 2004 visit to Kashmir which was hosted by Mufti that time as well.
The ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), however, said that the people of Kashmir are expecting a lot from their Prime Minister.
Speaking in the main city of Srinagar amid intense security, the Hindu nationalist leader said he wished to take India’s only Muslim-majority state back to its “former glory”.
He said, “The love I get from you inspires me to work for more”.
The Prime Minister said his Government worked for “Sabka saath, sabka vikas”, and therefore, it was essential for development to reach all parts of the country.
He said that in the past, when people had a few money, they wanted to visit Kashmir.
Mr Ali Raza Syed said, Nerandra Modi’s government is pursuing fascist policies in occupied Kashmir and other parts of India.
“I am attracted by Kashmir since I have seen love of the people here”.
Modi stressed the need to create jobs for young people, boost tourism and infrastructure, and close a gaping digital divide in the conflict-wracked region, where many do not have access to the Internet.
“We’ll continue to fight against India’s brutal military occupation”, he said.
The venue for the Prime Minister’s rally here – Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium – has been turned into a virtual fortress with Special Protection Group (SPG) taking over it, officials said, adding a large posse of police and paramilitary personnel have also been deployed in and around the area to secure it. The “Million March” has already resulted in a major crackdown on the separatist camp.
Independent legislator Engineer Rashid was detained after he held a protest march carrying black balloons and flags.
Elsewhere in the Valley, a complete shut down was observed to protest Modi’s visit. “Vajpayee’s peace initiative ensured a decade-long thaw in Indo-Pak relations. Bade bhai ko chhote bhai se milna hi hoga”, the CM said.
Omar hit out at chief minister Sayeed for drumbeating ahead of Modi’s visit.
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Asserting that solution to all problems lies in generating employment, the PM also promised that development in Jammu and Kashmir will always be his government’s top agenda.
