SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A seven years ago marked the beginning of a “decisive new chapter” in the development journey of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, asserting that the region has witnessed wide-ranging transformation since August 5, 2019.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have changed significantly over the past seven years, with improvements in infrastructure and expanded opportunities in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and sports.
He said that women and members of marginalised communities, who were denied what he described as their basic constitutional rights for decades, have been empowered following the full application of the Constitution of India in the region.
Modi also said that this year’s August 5 holds added significance as the country is commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee. He said Mookerjee’s lifelong commitment to national unity continues to inspire generations and that his vision found “historic fulfilment” with the constitutional changes carried out on August 5, 2019.
Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to the region, the Prime Minister said the government remains focused on the progress of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and on ensuring that every citizen gets the opportunity to dream big, succeed and contribute to the vision of a developed India (“Viksit Bharat”).
