A new era has started in Jammu and Kashmir, says Modi

The historic decision on Jammu and Kashmir was driven by the government’s commitment to develop the region and would not only improve its present but also secure its future, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a special address to the nation after parliament effectively scrapped Article 370 and splitting the state into two union territories, reports Hindustan Times. 

“A new era has begun for Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh,” the Prime Minister said, underscoring that Article 370 and Article 35-A had not given J&K anything other than separatism, terrorism, dynastic policies and systematic corruption.

PM Modi’s radio address is seen as part of a comprehensive outreach programme to to ally apprehensions of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and establish to them that twin decisions would create more opportunities for them.

Article 370 has been an emotive issue in J&K, linked closely to perceptions about Kashmir’s unique identity.

But it was hurting the state and no one was even talking about it, PM Modi said.

“Surprisingly, no one could tell you what was the benefit of Article 370 to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, echoing a point that Home Minister Amit Shah had made in Parliament also.

PM Modi’s address attempted to contrast this point with the many benefits that would reach Jammu and Kashmir, starting from investments by private sector, expansion of scholarships for students and more job opportunities for the youth in security forces.

PM Modi’s radio address is seen as part of a comprehensive outreach programme to reach out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to ally their apprehensions and establish to them that twin decisions would create more opportunities for them.

The government clamped a communications blackout before the government moved on Monday to nullify Article 370, which accorded special status to the border state, and divide the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir with a legislative assembly, and Ladakh without one.

The government has reasoned that the contentious articles of the Constitution were behind most of the ills of the state - from corruption and lack of development to political violence and terrorism.

The government has insisted that the ground situation remains peaceful even as it has refused to clarify when the restrictions will be lifted.