Jammu and Kashmir: PM Modi says ‘government committed to preserve rights of Kashmiri Pandits’

PM Modi arrived on a day-long visit in the state and laid foundation stone of a number of development projects, including inauguration of two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jammu and Srinagar divisions, and the University of Ladakh, in Leh.

Image: ANI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today sounded the poll bugle for the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir, where he arrived on a day-long visit, and laid foundation stone of a number of development projects, including inauguration of two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jammu and Srinagar divisions, and the University of Ladakh, in Leh. He addressed a public rally in Jammu’s Vijaypur, during which he launched a scathing attack on the Congress party. Hitting out at the party, PM said: “Congress had promised to waive Rs 6 lakh crore of farmers' loan in 2008-09 but only waived Rs 52,000 crore. It uses promises of farm loan waivers to win elections only.” He said: “The previous governments had the tendency to ignore the necessities and sentiments of the country, you are well aware of that. Take Kartarpur corridor for instance. Had they paid attention, then the land of Guru Nanak Dev would have been a part of India.” On the Kashmir Pandits issue, PM Modi said that the BJP government is committed to preserving the rights of the Kashmiri Pandits, and is steadfast in its stand for the displaced Kashmiris. “India can never forget the phase of violence and terrorism when they had to leave their own houses”, Modi said. He also spoke on the Citizenship Bill and said there are many children of Bharat Mata in Pakistan, Afghnaistan and Bangladesh, who had to face injustice. He begun his Vijaypur address in Dogri language. He started his Jammu and Kashmir visit by first inaugurating the University of Ladkah in Leh, where he also addressed a public meeting. He begun his speech there in Ladakhi. The University of Ladakh, will be the first-ever varsity in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. Waering Ladakhi gown and head gear, Modi said: "The warmth of your reception has relieved the little cold I felt when I landed here today.” "After 10 months, I am amongst you again. I feel humbled by the love and affection of the Ladakhi people.” "Over 40 per cent of your population is comprised of students and your longstanding demand for setting up a university here is being fulfilled today,” he said. After the inauguration, Modi said Lakhah now has first cluster university comprising degree colleges of Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Khaltsi. The university will have administrative offices in Leh and Kargil, he said. On December 15, the Jammu and Kashmir administration had approved the establishment of first university in the Ladakh region The Prime Minister is slated to lay the foundation stones for developmental projects worth Rs 35,000 crore and also inaugurate few other projects worth Rs 9,000. Modi will also lay the foundation stone of northern regional centre campus of Indian Institute of Mass Communication in Jammu. Meanwhile, authorities suspended mobile internet services were suspended in Srinagar in view of his arrival.