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Ramzan ceasefire part of efforts to bring peace in Kashmir: Modi

KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 5/19/2018 11:41:57 PM

Appeals ‘misguided youth’ to shun path of violence and return home

SRINAGAR, May 19: Stating that the ongoing Ramzan ceasefire is part of efforts by the state government and centre to bring peace and development in the state, prime minister Narendra Modi today appealed the “misguided Kashmiri youth” to shun the path of violence and return to their homes for living a life of dignity and peace.
He was addressing a function at SKICC here. The prime minister inaugurated the 330 MW Kishenganga hydel project and also laid foundation of Srinagar ring road.
Without naming Pakistan, Modi alleged that external forces are creating the disturbances in Kashmir and misguiding the youth in the name of Islam. “Such forces are themselves at the brink of disintegration, “he said.
Modi began and concluded his speech with a few Kashmiri sentences. He also referred to the sanctity of holy month of Ramazan and mentioned the teachings of equality and justice of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
The prime minister said he is a disciple of the former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s three principles on Kashmir-Kashmiriyat, democracy and humanity.
Modi visited Kashmir four days after his government took everybody by surprise by announcing a ceasefire in Ramazan. The ceasefire demand was made by chief minister Mehbooba Mufti after an all party meeting here recently. The demand was opposed by the state BJP leaders and even defence minister. Despite the opposition, centre went ahead with the ceasefire.
During his speech today prime minister said the state government and centre have policy, intent and capability to take decisions to restore peace and solve development issues of the state. “Based on this we gave amnesty to first time stone-pelters some time back, announced Ramazan ceasefire and appointed a special representative on Kashmir for dialogue with elected representatives and all others,” he said.
Prime minister hailed army, para-military forces and Jammu and Kashmir police for their coordination in fighting militancy and other measures during natural calamities including floods.
Modi said that government is making efforts for peace and development in Kashmir, the people must also strengthen the efforts.
"The PDP-BJP government is trying its best to bring back the misguided youth who have left their homes and families."
"It is time that these youth return to their families. Each stone thrown by a misguided youth hurts the hearts and minds of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. Those who have been helping violence in the state from across our borders are themselves disintegrating this time," he said.
The prime minister said the people of state know how they have been deceived by forces inimical to peace. The central government has appointed a special representative to speak to all elected people to find a way out of these difficult times, he said.
"There is only one solution to all problems and that is development. All those countries in the world, who followed violence are finding ways and means to shun it and save their people.
"Time will come soon when J&K will re-emerge as the crown and coronet of peace and progress for the entire country."
Modi said that it is the love and affection of the people that brings him here so often.
"The holy month of Ramazan is the time when we re-dedicate ourselves to the teachings of Prophet Mohammad. It's an honour that I am here during the holy month of Ramazan."
The prime minister said everybody associated with the Kishenganga project needs to be complimented because it was a difficult task.
"The 42km-long Srinagar Ring Road, whose foundation I have laid today (Saturday), will go a long way in providing connectivity that is vital for progress and development.
"Jammu Kashmir of the 21th century is going to be a model of progress and prosperity. It was said in the past that waters and vitality of mountains does not help the people living in these mountains. But this saying is being proved wrong here as the waters and vitality of your mountains is now being used for your betterment and progress."
Modi said tourism has been a part of J&K's development, but today's tourism has changed fast. "Today's tourist wants a better eco-system and cleanliness, and the more you address these issues, the more number of tourists would be coming here."
Pointing out that connectivity is very essential to improve the eco-system, he said: "Before coming here, I started the work on Asia's longest tunnel. Whether it is the Srinagar Ring Road or any other connectivity project, the completion of these road projects will save you time and increase your earnings."
"Better roads will definitely add to the beauty of the state. I am happy that the people of state are helping themselves. I recently saw a video in which a five-year-old girl, Jannat, is shown cleaning the Dal Lake."
Modi said one lakh local youth are being trained under the "Himayat" programme, adding that around 16,000 youth have been given scholarships to study outside the state.
He said the J&K police would soon complete the recruitment process of 5,000 youth.