PM Modi said that Jammu and Kashmir is a crown of India. He also expressed faith that the people of J&K and Ladakh will defeat separatism and militancy.
New Delhi| Amidst the uncertainty over Kashmir situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the nation today. The PMO has said that he will address the nation through Akashwani radio channel at 8 PM. It is expected that he may reveal what led to Central govt’s decision of abrogating Article 370. The Article conferred special status to Jammu and Kashmir. However, Modi govt decided to abrogate the article and bifurcate the state into two Union Territories.
This will be PM Modi’s first address to the nation after being re-elected to power.
Here are the live updates:
- J&K a crown of India
PM Modi said that Jammu and Kashmir is a crown of India. He also refers to the martyrs from J&K and Ladakh who were awarded for their bravery.
- Wishes people of Eid
“I wish everyone on the occasion of Eid. The govt will help everyone who wants to go home on Eid. There will be no trouble for people wanting to celebrate Eid.”
- Have taken some decisions as a precaution
Referring to the security being beefed up in the region and curfews, PM Modi said that these steps were necessary as a precaution. He said the situation will normalise slowly.
- Opponents should keep national interest above everything, respect nation’s feeling
PM Modi responded to criticism of suppressing voices of dissent and opposition leaders. he said that opposition leaders should keep national interest above everything and help the government in J&K policy.
- Ladakh to be developed as a tourist destination
“Ladakh can be a centre for Solar power. It can be developed as Spiritual Tourism, Adventure tourism and Eco-tourism destination.”
- Push for sports
“Youths from J&K will get training in sports. They will represent India in sports on a global level.”
- PM Modi urges Bollywood to make J&K shooting destination
“Once J&K was a top destination for shooting of Bollywood movies. I urge Hindi, Tamil and Telugu film industry to begin shooting here.”
- J&K youths should lead
“Dynasty politics never allowed new leadership to develop. I urge the young women and men of J&K to come forward and take the development of their region in their hands. J&K has a high potential of becoming World’s hot tourist destination.”
- Elections in J&K soon
“Panchayats are doing great jobs here. Women sarpanches have done a great job here. We will soon hold elections here. You will witness a new and transparent system.”
- “We will create a new system”
“We will create a new system which will help to reduce separatism and militancy in the valley. Jammu and Kashmir will not be a UT forever. However, Ladakh will remain a UT.”
- “Lakhs of citizens were denied voting died”
PM Modi said, “Those people who decided to come back to India from Pakistan after partition were denied voting rights and rights to contest the election. Your representative should come from among you.”
- “Took this decision after thinking a lot”
PM Modi said that his government has taken this decision after long deliberation.
- New Job opportunities for J&K and Ladakh UT
Police and government employees will get social security benefits. All the vacancies will be filled. New job opportunities will be provided in J&K. PM Scholarship scheme will be extended to J&K.
- Article 370 discriminatory
“Article 370 is discriminatory. Parliament is the highest law-making body in the country. but due to one article, a state was left behind in the development journey. Now, the children of Jammu and Kashmir will also get equal opportunities.”
Also Read: #Article370Abolished US “closely” observing events in Jammu and Kashmir
- Pakistan used it as a weapon
Pakistan used Article 370 as a weapon to inflame tension and distract the youths from the valley.
- Nobody tells what Article 370 achieved
PM modi said that Article 370 had been in force for 70 years but nobody explained what it really achieved.
- PM Modi begins his address
PM modi congratulates people of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh. Article 370 a hurdle for J&K’s development. Hurdle has now been removed.
- 70 terrorists shifted to Agra jail
Srinagar- Around 70 terrorists and hardcore pro-Pakistan separatists from Kashmir valley have been shifted to Agra. The terrorists and separatists were shifted in a special plane provided by the Indian Air Force: Sources pic.twitter.com/6DsDYNrddh
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2019
- J&K Administration asks govt employees to report back immediately
J&K Govt: As per directions issued by Chief Secretary Jammu and Kashmir, all Government employees who are working at divisional level, district level and those serving in civil secretariat Srinagar, to report back to their duties with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/pdn68mmRsb
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2019
- The security situation is reviewed
Indian Army: Lt General Ranbir Singh, visited Formation HQs in #Kupwara & #Baramulla sectors yesterday; reviewed security situation & complimented all ranks for their unwavering dedication & high morale. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/SGQ8wKBT4V
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2019
- Pakistan suspends Samjhauta Express
- Helpline introduced to reach out to friends and family members
District Magistrate, Srinagar, Shahid Choudhary, has released a couple of phone numbers for Kashmiris to reach out to their families living in Kashmir. The numbers are 9419028242 and 9419028251.
DC Office #Srinagar has established 2 helplines 9419028242, 9419028251. Residents/Students outside state can contact. Families back home are also using these lines to reach out.
— Shahid Choudhary (@listenshahid) August 8, 2019
- Ghulam Nabi Azad sent back from Shrinagar Airport
Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad was stopped by the security forces at Srinagar airport. He was accompanied by Congress J&K chief who has also been stopped. Azad, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha had planned to visit the region amidst curfew. However, he may be sent back from the airport.
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