PM MODI ASSURES STATEHOOD, EARLY ELECTIONS TO J&K LEADERS

In a much-hyped meeting with 14 political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that statehood would be awarded soon at the “right time” and the democratic process would be resumed as promised in Parliament. This was much in the line of what The Daily Guardian wrote in its frontpage report on Thursday. The meeting began at 3 pm at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the Prime Minister’s residence, which saw the participation of four former CMs and four Deputy CMs and lasted for over three-and-a-half hours. During this first dialogue of the Central government with the J&K leadership ever since Article 370 was revoked on 5 August 2019, the PM asserted about removing “Dilli ki doori” as well as “Dil ki doori” so that the state may usher in an era of development and peace.  PM Modi urged the parties to get on board with delimitation or the redrawing of Assembly constituencies to enable elections. Elections can happen soon after delimitation, it was said, and “most participants expressed willingness for it”, said sources. The PM patiently heard out suggestions and inputs from all participants. He expressed happiness that all participants shared their frank and honest views. It was an open discussion which revolved around building a better future for Kashmir, sources said. The main focus of the meeting was to strengthen the democratic process. According to the sources, the PM said: “We are fully committed to the democratic process in J&K.” He stressed that the holding Assembly elections just like the successful conduct of DDC elections is a priority. It was discussed that elections can happen soon after delimitation and by and large, most participants expressed willingness for it. The PM emphasised the need to strengthen democracy at the grassroots and work together with the people of J&K to help uplift them. The PM expressed happiness on the commitment to Constitution and democracy espoused by all participants, sources said. The PM said that even one death in J&K is painful and “it is our collective duty to protect our younger generation”. The PM stressed that “we need to give opportunities to our youth of J&K and they will give back lots to our country”. 

The development achieved by J&K was discussed in detail with implementation of many pro-people initiatives. The PM expressed satisfaction with the acceleration of development in Jammu and Kashmir and said that it is creating new hope and aspirations among the people. The PM said that when people experience corruption free governance, it inspires trust among the people and people also extend their co-operation to the administration and this is visible in J&K today, according to sources.

The PM said that there would be political differences but everyone should work in national interest so that the people of J&K benefit. The PM stressed that an atmosphere of safety and security needs to be ensured for all sections of society in J&K. The PM said that he wants to remove “Dilli ki doori” as well as “Dil ki doori”.

WITH AGENCY INPUTS