Srinagar, Aug 05 : Prime Minister Narendera Modi Monday termed the Article 370 roll back a watershed moment in the history of India while as Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the transformative decision ushered in a new era of empowerment for marginalised sections and strengthened democracy in J&K and Ladakh.
As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Prime Minister Modi wrote on X, that “Today we mark 5 years since the Parliament of India decided to abrogate Articles 370 and 35(A), a watershed moment in our nation’s history. It was the start of a new era of progress and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. It meant that the Constitution of India was implemented in these places in letter and spirit, in line with the vision of the great men and women who made the Constitution.”
He further stated that “With abrogation came security, dignity and opportunity for the women, youth, backward, tribal and marginalised communities who were deprived of the fruits of development. At the same time, it has ensured that corruption, which plagued J&K for decades, has been kept at bay. I assure the people of J&K and Ladakh that our Government will keep working for them and fulfil their aspirations in the coming times.”
The Home Minister Shah also wrote on X that today marks the five years since the historic abrogation of Article370 and 35A under PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s leadership.
“This transformative decision has ushered in a new era of empowerment for marginalized sections and strengthened grassroots democracy in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The region’s youth have driven socio-economic growth and cultural revival, making the Modi Govt’s efforts to foster peace and comprehensive development a grand success. We thank Modi Ji for this landmark decision and reaffirm our dedication to advancing the region’s aspirations and transformative progress.”
Joining the chorus, J&K’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that the enduring peace is gradually returning to Jammu and Kashmir and this achievement belongs to all citizens. “In the past 5 years, democracy has taken deep roots in the Union Territory of J&K. Enthusiastic participation and record voter turnout in the recently held Lok Sabha election is a testimony to people’s faith in the constitution and internalisation of the spirit of democracy.”
The LG stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “we have kept the flame of inclusive development and social equality burning ever-bright illuminating J&K’s journey in the past five years.”
“Economically deprived section of the society has been empowered.
Overall economy of J&K has been growing at an impressive pace. Rapid growth and transformation in sectors like health, education, public works, urban and rural development and power over the past 5 years is unprecedented in UT’s history,” the LG said, adding that “the period after 5th August 2019 bears sufficient proof that women, youth, farmers and entrepreneurs have excelled themselves and they are wholeheartedly contributing to the sacred duty of nation building.”
The LG further stated that J&K is witnessing an era of peace, progress and prosperity. Schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and other public institutions are functioning without any disturbances. “Earlier practice of daily hartals, strikes, stone pelting and bandhs are things of the past now. J&K is certainly on the march. The UT has made sufficient progress especially in the areas of infrastructure development, tourism, industrialization, social security, employment generation, livelihood creation, public outreach, transparency and providing basic facilities,” he said.
He said that the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting opened new avenues for global partnership that helped in tapping the tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir. J&K has recorded 2.11 Crore tourist visits during 2023 which is the highest ever.
“Our tourism initiatives have not only showcased the mesmerizing beauty of J&K but have also spotlighted our culture and heritage. Owing to the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting held in Srinagar, J&K witnessed 2.5 times increase in foreign tourist arrivals,” he said. “To boost the industrial sector in J&K, effective policy and an enabling environment has been created. Investment proposals worth Rs.1,26,582 Crore with expected employment potential of 4.74 lakhs persons have also been received for setting up of industrial units in the UT”—(KNO)
