NEW DELHI, Feb 24: Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir is essential and underscored the Narendra Modi government’s commitment to ensuring a Kashmir free from terrorism, speaking in New Delhi on Monday.
During a session with youth from the region as part of the Watan Ko Jano youth exchange program, Mr. Shah asserted that the residents of Jammu and Kashmir possess equal rights to those in any other state, and that the people of India hold them in love and esteem.
He remarked that the day terrorism would cease, the need for police presence would diminish, urging the youth to spread this message among their communities.
“When peace prevails, police will no longer be necessary. Share this with your friends and neighbors… Let them know that the entire country is living in harmony, and that Jammu and Kashmir deserves this too,” Mr. Shah expressed.
He reiterated, “Jammu and Kashmir is currently at peace, and it is vital that this peace remains. Our goal is to create a region where no one loses their life to terrorism.”
“Violence yields nothing; over the years of turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir, 36,000 lives have been tragically lost,” he stated.
He highlighted that Prime Minister Modi’s abrogation of Article 370 has ensured equal rights for the people of Jammu and Kashmir throughout India, similar to those in Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
“You have rights to Jammu and Kashmir, but isn’t it wonderful that you now hold equal rights across the other 29 states? Like Jammu and Kashmir, this entire nation is yours,” he said.
“Peace is paramount for all. Under the Modi administration, Jammu and Kashmir has seen substantial development—hospitals, roads, and bridges have been constructed, and infrastructure has improved,” he added.
“The citizens of Jammu and Kashmir are regarded with love and respect across the country, largely due to the prevailing peace, which has facilitated development in the region,” Mr. Shah noted.
He mentioned, “There are 30 states in our country, and Jammu and Kashmir is one of them. Together, they form India.”
“Our nation is our home. If you don’t venture outside Jammu and Kashmir, you will miss out on understanding our country. Therefore, shouldn’t you take the opportunity to explore? During your next school vacation, I encourage you to visit a different state with your parents. You might have to negotiate, but make it happen,” he urged.
Over the last decade, terrorism has significantly reduced in Jammu and Kashmir, with incidents of bombings and stone-pelting becoming rare, and schools regularly resuming sessions, the Home Minister observed.
He noted that previously, there were no theaters, and public gatherings for events like ‘tazia’ processions were nonexistent. Now, such activities are once again thriving.
Local body elections allowing 36,000 individuals to serve as panchs and sarpanchs have also taken place recently.
“As the country progresses, so will you. The advancement of the nation translates into your prosperity. This is the vision that Prime Minister Modi is striving to achieve,” he asserted.
He highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir is now home to the world’s tallest railway bridge and Asia’s longest tunnel, along with having two AIIMS and two IIMs. In the last 10 years, 24 colleges and eight universities have been established in the region, he noted.
Mr. Shah concluded by encouraging the youth not to abandon their studies midway, as numerous opportunities await them across the country due to initiatives undertaken by the Modi government.
