SRINAGAR: Addressing the massive gathering at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, in presence of Prime Minister Modi, LG Sinha said that gone are the days when Kashmir was known for separatism, terrorism, and bloodshed. “It was only possible because of the personal efforts of PM Modi that Kashmir was turned into an abode of peace as it was known for being the land of Sufis and Reshis,” LG Sinha thundered from the stage.

He said that in the past five years, J&K has witnessed a huge transformation. “No innocent life is going to waste on the streets. Nobody’s eyes are snatched by pellets. Street protests are over forever,” LG Sinha said.

He said that tricolour flying high at Clock Tower Lal Chowk signifies the change and reminds everyone of the Kashmir of yesteryears. “Bloodshed is a history and peace has taken a front seat with every citizen of Kashmir wearing a smile on their faces,” the LG said.

He said Kashmiri people have a great love and respect for PM Modi as evident today as the Bakshi Stadium where there is total capacity for 35000 people and 25000 chairs is fully jam-packed. “People are standing as there is no place to sit. This is the love of Kashmir for PM Modi. Had there been a ground for two lakh people, that too would have been overcrowded today,” the LG said.

He said that Indoor Stadium is also full and at SKICC, the hall is full as well while 10,000 people are waiting to listen to PM Modi on the big screen.

LG Sinha said that PM Modi has always stayed in touch with the people of Kashmir through ‘Man ki Baat’. “PM Modi has praised Kashmir’s famous Lotus Stem (Nadru), Pashmina and Saffron besides various other things in his speeches and programs,” he said.

While hailing PM Modi for his keen interest in developing Kashmir, LG Sinha said that today pedestrian markets in Srinagar resemble those of Europe. “This all was possible because of you (PM Modi),” the LG said, adding that “new markets have provided great livelihood opportunities to shopkeepers and youth.”

He said that till 2022, there was no concept of nightlife and multiplex cinemas. “Today, youth spent time on Jehlum front and tourists enjoyed cinemas and night life across Srinagar. This change wasn’t possible without your support (PM Modi),” LG Sinha said. He named various developmental projects to be completed by 2025.

Speaking on the occasion, MoS in PMO Dr Jitendera Singh said that the flooded Bakshi Stadium reflects the people’s love for PM Modi. “This huge crowd has been desperately waiting for you to listen to your speech,” he said, adding that “Today, J&K is changed and I-Pads and Laptops have replaced stones and guns. Fingers that were once drenched in blood are now weaving Pashmina.”

Praising the beauty of Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendera Modi Thursday said that his mission was to win the hearts of Kashmiri people and that he has succeeded in efforts.

Addressing a mammoth gathering at the Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, the Prime Minister said that every time he came to Kashmir, his priority was to win hearts and minds of people here.

“Today, after seeing you (crowd), I can say that I have succeeded in winning the hearts of Kashmiri people. But I won’t stop here, my efforts will continue to more hearts…,” PM Modi thundered from the stage, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

He said that it is not easy to explain the feeling after landing on the “paradise on earth called Kashmir.” “The feeling of landing on Dharti Kay Swarg (paradise on earth) can't be explained in words. The beautiful mountains and the aura are touching,” he said.

PM Modi said that the J&K that has emerged now was the dream of every one across the country. “Not just you but one lakh people across all 285 blocks are watching my speech,” he said.

The Prime Minister  said that he will leave no stone unturned to return the love given to him by the people of Kashmir. “That’s the Modi’s guarantee,” he said and repeated it in Kashmiri, “Modi Seinz guarantee (Modi’s guarantee).”

PM Modi said that he was recently in Jammu where he inaugurated developmental projects worth Rs 3200 Crore and today in a short span of time, he is in Srinagar to inaugurate many developmental projects worth Rs 6400 Crore. “J&K is India’s crown and nobody can stop its journey towards touching new heights of development,” he said. “There was a time when developmental schemes were implemented in the rest of the country but not here. Time has taken a new turn, today I have inaugurated schemes for the rest of the country from this place.”

Taking a jibe at Congress and political parties of J&K, PM Modi said that Article 370 always benefited these parties, not the common people. “After removing the Article 370, peoples’ dreams are getting fulfilled and new opportunities are knocking on their doors. A few political parties used Article 370 for their own political benefits but that’s over now,” he said without naming any party other than the Congress. He, however, was apparently referring to National Conference and PDP.

After removal of the special status of J&K, PM Modi said that for the first time, West Pakistan Refugees, Valmikis and downtrodden people were given voting rights. “These people have been waiting for their rights for the past 70 years,” he said.

Accusing the J&K’s political parties of ruining the premier financial institution J&K Bank, PM Modi said that the Bank was about to sink and people were set to lose crores of their deposited money.

“We saved this bank from the clutches of political parties of J&K. Today, Bank earns a profit worth Rs 1700 Crore. Its share rate has also gone up to Rs 140. The bank is now doing business of Rs 2.25 lakh crore,” PM Modi said.

He said that J&K is now being promoted as the most sought out wedding destination. “I am myself campaigning for this and a message has gone across that hold weddings in J&K and stay here for a few days so that locals can benefit as well,” the Prime Minister said as per KNO.

He said that post G-20, J&K has recorded a huge tourist influx as over 2 Crore tourists arrived in the UT last year. “The number of foreign tourists has also shown a significant rise. Amarnath Yatra also witnessed a record pilgrim arrival last year and so was the scene at Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu,” he said.

He said that some people tell him that Modi has no family, but they are not aware that entire nation is “Modi’s family.” “Today, people of J&K are giving my opponents a befitting reply by stating that they are Modi’s family,” he said. PM Modi said that as the fasting month of Ramadhan is approaching, J&K will move ahead with peace and prosperity. “In next five years, J&K will witness a huge change on the developmental front. Nobody can stop the J&K’s train of success, peace and prosperity,” he said (KNO)

SRINAGAR: Given Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit scheduled for tomorrow, the authorities on Wednesday announced a traffic advisory for motorists and commuters.

“Traffic movement from Jehangir Chowk to Rambagh and Rajbagh to LD Hospital-Tulsi Bagh route will be restricted from 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM,” as per the advisory, issued by the Traffic Police, Srinagar.

IG Traffic, Bhim Sen Tuti (IPS), addressing a presser, said that the Jahangir Chowk–Solina–Ram Bagh stretch will remain restricted for the civilian traffic movement.

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the integrated development project of the Hazratbal shrine virtually from Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium on March 7. Furthermore, PM Modi will also inaugurate the Sonamarg ski drag lift in Ganderbal district.

Hazratbal, one of the most esteemed Muslim shrines in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar has been developed under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD).

PM Modi is also set to unveil 42 new tourist destinations and launch nine tourism projects, alongside the ‘Chalo India’ campaign, aimed at engaging the Indian diaspora worldwide.

Zargar Gulzar

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated a 50-bedded intensive care hospital at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. The hospital has been set up by mobile digital movie theatre company Picturetime in collaboration with the American Indian Foundation.

The PM also laid the foundation stone for 13 other healthcare projects and six food testing vans in the union territory under various schemes. He said that these projects will boost the health infrastructure and ensure quality and affordable healthcare for the people of J&K.

The hospital in Baramulla is equipped with modern facilities and equipment, including eight beds with ICU facility and 42 beds with oxygen facility. It will cater to the needs of the patients from the northern Kashmir region, especially in the wake of the possible third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PM appreciated the efforts of the local administration, the health workers and the civil society in tackling the challenges posed by the pandemic. He also praised the role of the Indian Army and the security forces in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

He said that the Centre is committed to the development and welfare of J&K and is working on various projects in sectors like education, tourism, agriculture, horticulture, power, connectivity and sports. He urged the youth of J&K to take advantage of the opportunities and participate in the progress of the nation.

The PM also interacted with some of the beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in J&K. He said that these schemes have provided free health insurance cover to over 21 lakh families in the union territory and have benefited more than 2.5 lakh people so far.

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Article 370 was a barrier to development and now it is effectively removed. This, he said will make Jammu and Kashmir a developed place. He was speaking to a huge gathering in MA Stadium at Jammu.

“Article 370 was a barrier to our progress,” Modi declared, his voice resolute. “But we have removed that hurdle.” For years, Article 370 had divided the region, hindering its potential and depriving its people of opportunities. But now, with its abrogation, a new era of possibilities dawned upon Jammu and Kashmir.

“Today, we stand united, ready to usher in a new era of progress and prosperity,” Modi continued, his gaze sweeping across the stadium. “But our journey does not end here.”

Article 370, he asserted was the biggest roadblock in the development of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the BJP government has abrogated it. “Jammu and Kashmir is moving towards an overall development now,” he said. “It is because of the abrogation of Article 370, I have urged the people to help BJP win 370 seats and NDA win 400 seats in (2024 Lok Sabha) elections.”

Prime Minister referred to the upcoming Bollywood film Article 370 during his speech. “I have heard that a film on Article 370 is going to be released this week. It is a good thing as it will help people in getting correct information.”

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday visited Jammu where he inaugurated the first Electric Train and also inaugurated the train service between Sangaldan station and Baramulla station.

He also launched multiple development projects, including those for education, railway, aviation, and road sectors, worth over 32,000 crore.

Also, he distributed appointment orders to about 1,500 new Jammu and Kashmir government recruits. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a new terminal building at Jammu Airport.

He dedicated various rail projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including the new rail line between Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan (48 Km) and the newly electrified Baramulla-Sringar-Banihal-Sangaldan section (185.66 Km). PM Narendra Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth ?32,5000 crore in Jammu on Tuesday.

The projects related to several sectors, including health, education, rail, road, aviation, petroleum, and civic infrastructure, among others. Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha felicitated PM Narendra Modi during the public programme in Jammu. (KNS).

Mukaram Ali Sarfaraz

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that the dreams of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, which has been 70 years in the making, will soon be fulfilled under his leadership.

Speaking at a large gathering in Jammu as per news agency Kashmir Scroll, PM Modi highlighted the positive changes that have taken place under his leadership, signifying a departure from the previous narrative of violence and instability in the region.

The Prime Minister underscored the newfound freedom experienced by the youth, who are now actively shaping their own futures, transcending the limitations imposed by dynastic politics. He commended their efforts in creating their own success stories and emphasized that a vibrant and peaceful Kashmir is no longer just an aspiration but a reality currently being realized.

One of the longstanding hurdles in the region has been the lack of local opportunities for professional education, resulting in the migration of young individuals to other areas. Recognizing this, the Modi government has implemented policies to address this issue, ensuring that soon all education needs can be met within the region, eliminating the need for outmigration.

PM Modi also reflected on his previous visit to the same location in 2013, during which he made a commitment to fulfill the aspirations of the people. He took pride in announcing that this commitment has been honored, pointing to the establishment of prestigious institutions such as IIT and IIM in the region as a testament to the progress being made.

PM Modi expressed his optimism for a new Kashmir where peace, prosperity, and development are flourishing, signifying a marked departure from the past. 

SRINAGAR: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that everybody knows that the land of Ladakh has been taken away by China from India and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not speaking the truth about the issue.
Gandhi was addressing a public rally in Kargil district of Ladakh in the Union Territory on Friday.
“Ladakh is a strategic place and when I went to Pangong it was clear that China has grabbed thousands of kilometers of Indian land”, Rahul said.

"It is sad that the Prime Minister of India announced during the opposition party meeting that not an inch of Indian land has been grabbed by anybody, ” he said.

“This is totally a blatant lie as everybody in Ladakh knows that the land of Ladakh has been taken away by China from India and the Prime Minister is not speaking truth”.

He said whenever India needed the help of people of Ladakh and Kargil on the borders during the war, they with one voice stood with the Indian army.

This is not for the first time but it has been observed that people of Kargil and Ladakh always stand with the army whenever their services are required, Rahul said and congratulated the people of Kargil on the occasion for their role.
He said he went to all the four sides of Ladakh and thinks that this is the only beautiful place of India.
“I went to almost every part of Ladakh on motorbike to hear the voices of the people to understand their problems”, Gandhi said and added “the people alleged that their voices are being suppressed even though they were provided with the status of Union Territory”.

He said that people had told him that the promises made by the administration to provide jobs and employment proved all false.

The Congress leader said if anyone goes anywhere in Ladakh as any person, he will tell you that Ladakh is the epicenter of unemployment. He said the people also alleged that there is no good cell phone communication and Aeroplanes are not landing here despite having an airport.

The Wayanad MP said there are numerous people living in India of different religions, caste and speaking separate languages…they all should live honorably and peacefully.

Rahul promised the people that Congress party is with them to support them in saving their land, providing employment, safeguarding the culture and language always. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court verdict staying Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s conviction in “Modi Surname” case.

“I welcome the Supreme Court verdict staying Rahual Gandhi’s conviction in a case that had no legs to stand upon”, Mehbooba said in a tweet.
“Glad that he will be back in Parliament fighting for the idea of India”, She said.

Supreme Court in an interim order on Friday stayed the conviction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the criminal defamation case over the “Modi surname” remark.
Former Lok Sabha member and Congress leader Tariq Karra said truth alone triumphs.

“SATYAMEVA JAYATE" Truth alone triumphs, A person may have several virtues bt it is his honesty dat sets him apart & stands as a hallmark 2 his character”, Karra said in a tweet.
Meanwhile, Congress workers at party headquarters at Moulana Azad road celebrated the Apex Court verdict and distributed sweets among others. (UNI)

Former Jammu Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik has claimed that late senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani had lauded him for his role in Jammu and Kashmir.

Malik quoted former minister Muzaffar Beigh as having said to him while his (Beigh’s) meeting with Geelani.

In an interview with senior journalist Karan Thapar, Malik said: “He (Muzaffar Beigh) was coming to meet me one day and was a bit late. When I asked the reason he (Beigh) said Geelani (Syed Ali Geelani) had called him. I said what is he (Geelani) saying, Beigh said Geelani told him where is he going and he (Beigh) informed him (Geelani) he (Beigh) is going to meet the Governor.”

Satyapal Malik while quoting Beigh went on to say that  Beigh informed him (Satyapal) that Geelani said that he (Satyapal) is a great Governor and we can enter into a deal.

Hearing this revelation, the interviewer Karan Thaper quipped, “Geelani had said this, about you,” to which Satyapal replies in affirmative.

“That poor leader (Geelani) is not alive today, but Muzafar Beigh is alive.

Quoting Beigh, Satyapal said that Geelani had told Beigh that Satyapal doesn’t resort to deceit and treachery but calls a spade a spade.

Meanwhile, responding to the claim made by the former Jammu Kashmir Governor, the Deputy Chief Minister in Mufti Sayed’s cabinet, Muzafar Beigh told a media outlet that Malik has lost his memory as he never met Syed Ali Geelani. (KNT)