Justifying the Centre's announcement to abrogate Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated the decision to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Near the Statue of Unity—world's tallest statue (182 mtrs)—at Kevadia in Gujarat, on the occasion of Patel's 144th birth anniversary, Modi said that by abrogating Article 370, Patel's dream of unifying India was now complete.
ALSO READ
- ‘Stone pelting, beheading of soldiers would have continued if Cong was in power: Modi
- ‘Everyone will regret it…’: PM Modi accuses opposition of spreading lies on electoral bonds
- What the fish! Tejashwi Yadav's meal on helicopter snowballs into major political controversy
- Congress’s poll manifesto bears ‘imprint of Muslim League’, says PM Modi
- Fighting big battle against corrupt, won't be intimidated by attacks: PM Modi at Meerut rally
- Congress on PM's Katchatheevu remarks: 'Release white paper on Chinese capture in Ladakh, Arunachal'
- Modi conferred Bhutan's highest civilian honour; says goals of youth in India and Bhutan are similar
Alleging that in the last several decades Article 370 had given nothing but separatism and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the prime minister said that, from today, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, were taking new strides towards a “golden future”.
New lieutenant governors were sworn in at Srinagar and Ladakh.
The prime minister also warned that India would defeat anyone who tried to attack the unity of the country. He observed that the biggest challenge before the opponents of India was its unity, and the ones who could not win the war against us were attempting to incite separatism.
Modi also announced that, as promised by him in August, government employees of Jammu and Kashmir will be treated on par with other government employees, and the 7th Pay Commission comes into force from today.
According to him, Article 370 had created a temporary wall between the people and, in the last three decades, more than 40,000 persons had lost their lives. Modi recalled that Patel had once said that had it been in his hands (Patel's) hands, the solution to the Jammu and Kashmir problem would have come fast.
The prime minister said that, for the first time, block development council elections were held. This, he said, is good for political stability. Gone are the days of making and breaking the government for vested interests. Modi observed that this is the real beginning of the era of political federalism, and the Valley would get new highways, railways and hospitals.
He reiterated that the new system is not to draw lines on the ground, but for a new hope.
Even as Modi addressed the gathering and observed the Unity Parade, several activists, fighting for the rights of tribals, remained detained. They were protesting against what they described as ignoring tribal rights while developing Kevadia as tourism spot.
The tribals have been alleging that they have not got their rights and jobs, even as the government took away their land for development.
Modi will also address IAS probationary officers, view presentations made by them and have lunch with them.
