New Delhi, July 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Wednesday that the fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is in its final stage, with the government employing a multi-pronged strategy to dismantle the remaining terror networks. Addressing the Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister underscored a significant decline in terror incidents in the Union Territory over the past decade and emphasized the leading role of the region’s citizens in combating terror and separatism.
“Our fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, in a way, is in its last stage. We are moving with a multi-pronged strategy to eliminate the remaining terror network there,” PM Modi stated, highlighting the comprehensive approach being adopted to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.
During his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address, PM Modi reflected on the challenges faced over the past several decades, including shutdowns, strikes, terrorist threats, and bomb blast attempts, describing them as a dark shadow over democracy. He commended the unwavering faith of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the Constitution, particularly praising the region’s voters.
“This time people have decided their fate with unwavering faith in the Constitution. I especially congratulate the voters of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, lauding their participation in the democratic process.
The Prime Minister noted a significant rise in tourism activities in Jammu and Kashmir, which are setting new records, and an increase in investment in the region. These developments, he said, are indicators of the positive changes taking place as the security situation improves.
PM Modi also highlighted that the voter turnout in the recent Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to break records from the last four decades. “They accept the Constitution of India, the democracy of India, the Election Commission of India. This is a huge success,” he asserted, pointing to the growing confidence in the democratic institutions of the country.
In August 2019, the BJP-led NDA government abrogated Section 370 of the Constitution, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The region was subsequently bifurcated into the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. This move, according to the government, was aimed at integrating the region more closely with the rest of the country and fostering development and stability.
The Prime Minister’s address comes at a crucial time when the Union Territory is witnessing a transformation, with significant efforts being made to improve infrastructure, boost economic activities, and enhance the overall quality of life for its residents. The government’s strategy in Jammu and Kashmir focuses on a combination of security measures, development initiatives, and efforts to promote peace and reconciliation.
As the fight against terrorism nears its conclusion, the Prime Minister’s remarks signal a hopeful future for Jammu and Kashmir, with the promise of sustained peace, progress, and prosperity for its people.