Says J&K touching new heights of development after Abrogation of Article 370
SUHAIL KHAN
SRINAGAR, Mar 07: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a series of development initiatives exceeding Rs 6,400 crore at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar on Thursday.
The unveiling took place during the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir’ program, where PM Modi launched the ‘Holistic Agriculture Development Programme’ (HADP) valued at Rs 5,000 crore, aimed at bolstering the agri-economy in the Union Territory.
The HADP initiative integrates various facets of agricultural activities, including horticulture, agriculture, and livestock husbandry in Jammu and Kashmir. It anticipates benefiting approximately 2.5 lakh farmers by providing skill development through a dedicated Daksh Kisan portal. The program will establish around 2000 Kisan Khidmat Ghars and implement robust value chains to enhance the welfare of the farming community.
In addition to agricultural endeavors, PM Modi dedicated tourism-related projects exceeding Rs 1,400 crore under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes.
The Prime Minister arrived at Srinagar airport and proceeded to the Badamibagh Cantonment, the headquarters of the Army’s 15 or Chinar Corps. During the event, PM Modi initiated the “Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll” and the “Chalo India Global Diaspora” campaign.
He also announced tourist destinations chosen under the Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) scheme. The “Chalo India Global Diaspora” campaign aligns with the Prime Minister’s appeal to Indian diaspora members, urging them to encourage at least five non-Indian friends to visit India. With over three crore overseas Indians, the Indian diaspora can significantly contribute to Indian tourism, serving as cultural ambassadors on a global scale.
Addressing a jam-packed Bakshi Stadium, Prime Minister Narendra Modi as per Kashmir Despatch expressed his commitment to win the hearts of Kashmiris, attributing the newfound sense of freedom in the region to the abrogation of Article 370.
He said over one lakh people joined this function and “this is a new Kashmir we all were waiting for decades”. “This is the new Kashmir for which Shyama Prasad Mukherjee sacrificed his life. Your smiling faces are watched in the country right now and will bring satisfaction to all the countrymen,” he added.
The PM said he considers Kashmir as his ‘parivaar’ or family. “’Parivaar’ is always in our hearts and minds. They also consider themselves as ‘parivaar’.
PM Modi said that he has come to win hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, adding that he has been able to achieve that to an extent as well and would continue to do his hard work on that direction.
Prime Minister Modi said that the success story of Jammu and Kashmir will be the center of attraction for the world in the future. Speaking at the crowded venue, PM Modi took a jibe at the Congress and its allies for misleading the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the issue.
“Kashmir bore the brunt of dynasty politics since Independence. People now know the truth and no more can be befooled. Kashmir sees a new bright beginning in front of them with equal opportunity. They have equal dignity and rights. Locals benefit from all the laws and pro-poor schemes started by the Centre simultaneously, unlike the past,” PM Modi said.
He emphasized that Kashmir is now experiencing progress and prosperity after the scrapping of Article 370, which had only benefited a few politicians and their families.
PM Modi assured the locals that they now have equal rights and opportunities under the new laws and schemes implemented by the Centre. In a bid to strike a chord, PM Modi wished the locals as well as the rest of the country on the upcoming Ramzan and Maha Shivratri.
“I am elated by your love and affection. I am indebted to you. Since 2014, I have come here to win your hearts. I think I am going on the right path. I have won your hearts. My efforts will continue to win your hearts. This is Modi’s guarantee,” PM Modi observed.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
