I challenge the opposition to declare in their manifesto that they will bring back those provisions of Article 370 which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and if they cannot do so, then they must stop shedding crocodile’s tears, PM Modi said.
He said that Kashmir is not just a piece of land but the crown of India.
The Prime Minister while addressing a rally in Maharashtra, asserted that his government too requisite measures to ensure normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh regions.
" Looking at the security needs, we took the necessary steps. We have also tried our best to ensure normalcy in the area, amidst all the negative powers in and around the area," he said while addressing a public meeting in Jalgaon ahead of Assembly elections in Maharashtra.
He said that until abrogation of Article 370, Valmiki community in Jammu and Kashmir was deprived of basic rights.
"You will be surprised to know that for 70 years, our Valmiki brothers in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were also deprived of human rights. Today, I bow in front of Lord Valmiki that I am getting the privilege to embrace my brothers," the Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister Modi also targeted the opposition parties for criticising Centre for taking the decision to repeal Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, saying, "Today, unfortunately, some political parties and some politicians in our country are politicizing this decision taken in the national interest."
"One should listen to the statements given by the Congress-NCP leaders pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir. They think just the opposite of what the entire country thinks of Jammu and Kashmir. Their thinking is the same as the neighboring country," PM Modi added.
"Can these leaders, who are trying to fool the people with their crocodile tears, bring back Article 370 in Kashmir? Will the people of India allow them to? Will the people of India accept it?," he questioned while addressing a public rally.