PM Modi indicates early restoration of statehood on his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Srinagar for his two-day visit, on Thursday (June 20) assured that the day is not far when the people of Jammu and Kashmir will cast their votes in the assembly elections to form a new government.

He also indicated that very soon statehood will be resorted to the union territory.

"The people of Jammu and Kashmir elect their representatives at the local level, through them you find ways to solve problems, what can be better than this? Therefore, now the preparations for the Assembly elections have also started. The time is not far when you will elect the new government of Jammu and Kashmir with your votes. That day will also come soon when Jammu and Kashmir will once again make its future better as a state," he said.

PM Modi further said that projects related to the agriculture sector worth Rs 1,800 crore were inaugurated.

"Projects related to the agriculture sector worth Rs 1800 crore were inaugurated. New national highways and expressways are being constructed here. Every Indian feels proud when they see pictures of the world's highest bridge on the river Chenab," the Indian prime minister said.

"The whole world is witnessing the changes in Kashmir Valley...Humara Kashmir kitna aage badh gaya hai'...You will see that the International Yoga Day celebration will also become an attraction for tourists," he added.

PM Modi's BJP-led government in August 2019 had scrapped Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, bifurcating the state into two union territories.

'Will not hesitate to teach lesson to enemies of Jammu and Kashmir'

Reacting to the recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi said that the government will take stern action and not spare the enemies.

"The enemies of peace humanity doesn't like development. Today, they are making their last efforts so that progress in Jammu and Kashmir stops and peace is not established. The government has taken the recent terror attacks very seriously. The Union Home Minister (Amit Shah) has chaired a meeting with the officials of Jammu and Kashmir to review them," he said.

PM Modi reiterated, "I assure you that we will not hesitate to teach a lesson to the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir".

(With inputs from agencies)