Shun violence, join mainstream: PM in Kashmir
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday appealed to “misguided youngsters” to shun the path of violence and join the national mainstream, saying every stone or weapon picked by them led Jammu and Kashmir to the path of instability.
Speaking for the first time after the government announced a halt to antimilitancy operations in the state during the holy month of Ramzan, the Prime Minister said there was no alternative to peace and stability.
“My appeal to these misguided youths is to return to the national mainstream, which is their own family, and participate in the development of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said while dedicating the 330-Mw Kishanganga power project to the nation.
Amid the chants of “Modi, Modi”, the Prime Minister inaugurated the project and laid the foundation stone for the Srinagar Ring Road at the Sher- e-Kashmir International
Convention Centre.
The 42.1-km, four-lane Srinagar Ring Road will link Galandar in west Srinagar to Sumbal in Bandipora district and reduce traffic congestion.
Modi was on a one-day visit to the state’s three regions — Leh, Kashmir and Jammu. In Leh, he launched the construction of Zojila tunnel to provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh.
Beginning his speech in Kashmiri,
Modi asked people in Srinagar to accept his “salaam” and wished them health and prosperity. He spoke passionately for about 30 minutes highlighting the importance of ‘Kashmiriyat’.
He said former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a fan of the concept, “and I am also a follower”. Modi said the state government and the Centre have “a policy, determination and strength to take bold decisions”.
He said the halt to operations during Ramzan will help expose “those who have been spreading terrorism in the name of Islam”.
He said there were many vested interests who did not want to see a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
On the alienation of the youth, he said, “There is no power which can create a wedge between two brothers... People who have been engaging in creating a wedge between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country are now on the verge of extinction.” Dwelling upon ‘Kashmiriyat’, he said, “Last year, I spent my Diwali with the jawans in Gurez and today I am amidst you during the holy month of Ramzan.”
He said for ensuring permanent stability, the Centre has appointed a special representative to whom anyone can go and put forth their viewpoint.
“From the side of the government, we are leaving no stone unturned for ending the cycle of violence. But the onus on ensuring an alliance between Kashmiriyat and democracy lies with the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti thanked the prime minister for announcing the halt to antimilitancy operations during Ramzan.
“Today the mothers of the Kashmir Valley are sleeping peacefully as they know that there won't be any operations,” she said.
She said she knew that it was a difficult decision, "But such decisions are taken when the Centre has the will and the determination and you showed your magnanimity in announcing such a decision. It definitely needs lot of courage," she said.
Mehbooba regretted that despite efforts by Delhi, Pakistan was yet to respond.