Jammu, Apr 16 (UNI) Counting the developmental works undertaken and progress happened in one decade, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said peace and development are the new normal under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The region benefited most during the 10 years of Narendra Modi’s tenure is Jammu and Kashmir and its people,” Shah said addressing a public rally in favour of Jugal Kishore Sharma-- candidate from Jammu-Reasi Lok Sabha Seat—at Manhas Biradari Ground here in Roop Nagar area.
Remembering the sacrifices and agitations of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Pandit Prem Nath Dogra, Shah said, “Article 370 no longer exists in Jammu and Kashmir and the ‘Tiranga’ is flying high in every nook and corner of this region.
Very soon, the train is going to run between Jammu and Kashmir to connect with Kanya Kumari and that day, the dream of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee will be fulfilled."
Jammu and Kashmir—that witnessed terror related incidents, stone pelting, Pakistan sponsored terrorism, firing and ‘hartals’ in the past, has now been replaced by peace, development and progress under the leadership of PM Modi, he said.
“Terrorism is taking last breath in Jammu and Kashmir. Laptops have replaced the hands that were used for stone-pelting,” he said adding that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes every section and society along for ‘sab ka saath sab ka vikas’.
Chanting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ slogans, Shah remembered the sacrifices of BJP leaders stating that it was only because of their struggles, the present Jammu and Kashmir is possible.
Shah however, also ensured that the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held as per the Supreme Court fixed deadline.
Notably, the Supreme Court has ordered the Election Commission to conduct elections to Jammu and Kashmir Assembly before September 30, 2024 and directed the Centre for the restoration of Statehood.
Lashing out at the National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Congress for misleading and provoking gujjars over Scheduled Tribe status to Paharis, Shah said, “These political parties misled the Gujjars-Paharis over reservation and tried to create a wedge but we assured that not even one percent of gujjars right will be affected with reservation to paharis.”
Shah further said the youth of the Valley was exploited by NC-PDP, adding, “I want to ask NC president Farooq Abdullah and PDP in whose tenure the maximum number of fake encounters happened? Who opened fire on the youth of Kashmir valley? Who brought gun culture to Kashmir?”
Contrary to that, Shah said that the PM Modi stopped fake encounters and curbed the terrorism in the Kashmir valley and engaged youth in employment to live a respectful and prosperous life.
Shah said earlier children from Jammu and Kashmir used to go outside to study but now the students from all over the country are coming to study in Jammu and Kashmir, adding, “This is the change brought by PM Narendra Modi.”
However, at the start of his address, Shah, mentioning about the ongoing Navratri, sought blessings of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.
Seeking votes for BJP candidates (Jugal Kishore and Dr Jitendra Singh), Shah said, “give your vote to whoever you want to but do not vote for NC, PDP and Congress. These parties are seeking votes for their children. Give a third term to Narendra Modi to make Jammu and Kashmir more developed.”

UNI VBH KK