J&K’s youth becoming empowered under Modi govt, says PM in Srinagar

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the youths of Jammu and Kashmir have found confidence in democracy again and are feeling that their vote can bring change, which is the first step towards their empowerment.

Addressing an election rally in support of BJP candidates at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium here, Modi said the BJP will fulfil its promise of restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.

“The youths of my Jammu and Kashmir are no more helpless. They are becoming empowered under the Modi government. I am happy that the J-K BJP has also made huge announcements for the employment of youth. Be it their skill development or providing jobs without manipulation, the BJP will do all these,” he said.

Attacking the Congress, National Conference, and PDP, Modi said these three parties and families have “trampled” democracy and ‘Kashmiryat’ for their own benefits.

“Do you remember what they did in the 1980s? They treated Jammu and Kashmir’s politics as their own fiefdom. They did not want anyone except their families to come forward? Otherwise, why did they stop the Panchayat, DDC and BDC elections?

“They knew it would bring new faces who would challenge their family rule. What was the damage as a result of their selfishness? The youth kept losing faith in democracy. They felt whether they vote or not, only these three families will come to power,” he said.

The PM said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has vastly changed over the last five years which has restored the confidence of youth in a democratic process.

“Remember the conditions in which elections were held earlier. The campaigns would stop by 6 pm. Door-to-door campaigns were impossible. The Congress, NC and PDP -- these three families were happy with it. These people used to make merry by snatching your rights,” he said.

“Today, the campaign happens late in the night. Now, the people are celebrating democracy. Youth have found confidence in democracy again, they feel their vote, their democratic right, can bring change. This hope is the first step towards empowerment,” he added. Modi sought to strike a bond with the audience as he began his speech in Kashmiri. “myanen saarni kashir bayen te baenen chu myoan saetha saetha namaskar. Kyah haal chaal chu? (greetings to all my Kashmiri brothers and sisters. How are you?)” he said, amidst applause by the people. The prime minister made a slew of announcements for the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir if the BJP was voted to power.

These included the restoration of statehood, Rs 10,000 annual assistance to farmers, Rs 18,000 annual assistance to the woman head of every family, and enhancing the health insurance from the existing Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh. PTI