In his maiden visit to Srinagar after the abrogation of Article 370, PM Modi launched projects worth over Rs 6,400 from the city’s Bakshi stadium. The Prime Minister also addressed the local people on the occasion. During his initial address on his inaugural trip to the valley following the abrogation of Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminisced about the era preceding the scrapping of Article 370.
Prime Minister Modi said, "Kashmir is the top priority for India. The wait for Kashmir has been long. Modi will repay this debt of love. Efforts will be made to win over your hearts even more. Jammu and Kashmir is benefiting from government schemes. Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir did not benefit from government schemes, but now times have changed in Jammu and Kashmir."
"Developed Jammu and Kashmir is India's priority. There was a time when laws applied in the country but not in Jammu and Kashmir. The people of Jammu and Kashmir will definitely benefit from schemes and campaigns. In the hands of Kashmiri youth, there is now a computer, not a gun," He added.
Further in his address, the Prime Minister said, “This is the New Jammu Kashmir that we had been waiting for decades. This is the New Jammu Kashmir for which Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee made sacrifices. This new Jammu Kashmir has the courage to overcome any challenge. The country is seeing these smiling faces of yours, and today, these smiles and happiness bring a sense of relief to 1450 crore people of the country.”
"Today, a total of six projects dedicated to the nation have been launched under the 'Dekho Apna Desh' scheme from here. Additionally, the next phase of the 'Dekho Apna Desh' scheme is also underway which would bring in the commencement of 30 different projects in various places across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir,” PM Modi said.
"I have been working hard to win your hearts. I believe that I am moving in the right direction... This is 'Modi Ki Guarantee', which means 'Guarantee Ke Poora Hone ki Guarantee,” PM Modi said.
“Jammu and Kashmir is not just a region, it is the crown of India, and only a high and uplifted crown signifies development and dignity. Therefore, the priority is the development of Jammu and Kashmir, the priority is the development of India,” he added.
“The power of development... The possibilities of tourism... The strength of farmers... And the leadership of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir... The path to the development of Jammu and Kashmir will emerge from here," PM Modi said.
Taking a jibe at the Congress, PM Modi further underlined that the Congress was misguiding not only the people of Kashmir, but the entire nation on Article 370. "There was an era when laws implemented in other parts of the country could not be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. There was an era when schemes for the welfare of the poor were implemented across the country, but our brothers and sisters of Jammu and Kashmir were deprived of the benefits. And see now, how the times have changed," PM Modi said further.