Srinagar: Praising the record voter turnout in the first phase of Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the world is watching how the people of Union territory (UT) are strengthening the democracy of India.
Addressing an election rally here, Modi said earlier youth of Kashmir were known for throwing stones at the security personnel, “now they walk the streets with books and pens in their hands.”
Festival of democracy
“Festival of democracy is going on in Jammu and Kashmir. The first phase has ended and for the first time voting has taken place without any fear of terrorism. People have come out in large numbers including young and old,” he said.
Addressing the people of UT directly, the Prime Minister added, "You have scripted history. This reflects the heightened aspirations of the people of J&K. The world is watching how you are reinforcing democracy in India."
Hits out at opposition
Continuing his criticism of Congress, the National Conference (NC), and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for allegedly “arming the youth of Jammu and Kashmir with stones for their political gain,” Modi vowed not to allow these three families to endanger another generation in the region.
The Prime Minister accused them of “trampling” democracy and 'Kashmiryat' for their own benefit, asking, “Do you remember what they did in the 1980s? They treated Jammu and Kashmir's politics as their personal fiefdom and sought to block anyone outside their families from stepping forward. Why else would they have halted the Panchayat, DDC, and BDC elections?”
He added, “They knew new faces would challenge their rule. Their selfishness has caused significant damage—youth lost faith in democracy, believing that no matter how they voted, only these three families would come to power.”
Situation improved
The Prime Minister stated that the situation has significantly improved over the past five years, restoring the youth's confidence in the democratic process.
“Recall how elections were previously conducted—campaigns would end by 6 PM, and door-to-door outreach was impossible. Now, campaigning continues late into the night, and people are celebrating democracy. The youth have regained faith in their democratic rights, believing their votes can bring about change. This hope marks the first step toward empowerment,” he said.
The Prime Minister announced that the train was coming to connect Kashmir and Delhi soon emphasizing that events like the G20 summit, car races, and Yoga Day reflect the spirit of Kashmiryat, which welcomes all. “For 35 years, Kashmir experienced 3,000 days of shutdown; now there are no shutdowns. Do you want to see violence return?” he asked.
Statehood restoration
Reiterating his earlier remarks his government made in Parliament on a “solemn promise” for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, the Prime Minister said, “It’s the BJP that will fulfill this commitment. The BJP is for peaceful and prosperous Kashmir.”
Reflecting on the transformation of city center Lal Chowk in Srinagar, the Prime Minister said that once it was a place that symbolised danger for those attempting to hoist the tricolour.
Earlier this month, while launching his memoir in Delhi, former Union Home Minister and senior Congress leader Sunil Kumar Shinde had said that he used to feel scared of venturing out to Lal Chowk while he held the post.
Highlighting the atrocities Kashmiri Pandits faced, the Prime Minister said, “The politics of three families ensured Kashmiri Pandits suffered. They were part of the suppression of Sikhs. We are erasing Dil ki aur Delhi ke duri.”
Modi appealed to the voters to come out and vote in record numbers and vote for the BJP in the second phase on September 25.