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Modi will always lead J&K on developmental path: Minister

He also emphasized Kashmir’s role in Indian cricket.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is incomplete without Kashmiriyat as he paid visit to occupied Srinagar amid curfew and shutdown on Saturday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced a Rs 80,000-crore economic package for Jammu and Kashmir, extending a lifeline to his party’s fragile ruling alliance with the People’s Democratic Party.

Separatists have also planned a rally Saturday near the venue of a public meeting by Modi in Srinagar.

News of the killing brought more protesters on to the streets.

Our Mantra is “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas”, and that is why I want every corner of the country to be with us.

Security has been beefed up ahead of Modi’s visit, with the Muslim-majority region already tense following incidents of religious intolerance and attacks on minorities in many parts of India.

During his one-day trip, Mr Modi steered clear of discussing politics. Modi is expected to present an economic development package for the region which was devastated by floods in September 2014.

Recalling the words of the former Prime Minister- “Kashmiriyat, Jamhooriyat aur Insaniyat’ (Kashmiri culture, democracy, and humanity), he said, “I will like to follow these three mantras which are the pillars of development of Kashmir”.

According to official reports, Modi is scheduled to inaugurate a power project in the region and offer economic assistance to flood victims.

Instead, he focused on an aid package to the region, promising $12bn (£8bn).

Unprecedented security cover has been thrown in Srinagar and along Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and authorities have arrested over 400 people including separatist leader to foil “Million March” rally called by hardliner separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani to counter PM’s rally in Srinagar.

He reiterated his slogan of “sab ka saath, sab ka vikas” and spoke about his 17-month rule, saying people were not thinking of India competing with china prior to it.

While stressing on providing employment opportunity to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, he said that the package would also help increase the employment opportunities for the youth of the state. More than 68,000 people have been killed in the fighting and the ensuing crackdown by Indian forces.

Residents of the Indian-held portion strongly favor independence or a merger with Pakistan.

“All roads leading to the Chanderkote function area and the Sher-e-Kashmir stadium have been closed for traffic and pedestrian movement”, said a senior police officer.

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Engineer Abdul Rashid – a local lawmaker – was detained in Srinagar for holding a black balloon protest near the venue of the prime minister’s rally.

JDU state president Vashistha Narayan addressing the press conference