In his 40-minute speech addressing the nation on the big decision by his government, PM Narendra Modi justified why it was important to scrap the Article 370.
During the speech to the people, he referred to the Article 370 as a provision which had weakened the State in all ways and it did not leave any scope for development. PM pointed out that more than 42,000 people lost their lives due to militancy.
During his speech, he also referred to the lockdown situation in the valley, particularly in the Kashmir. He understood that people are suffering due to the curfew situation which will be soon restored to normalcy.
He assured to the people that Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of India and will not remain a Union Territory for long. PM Modi also assured that the situation in the state would return to normal soon. “This was a step taken after a lot of thought… I don’t think there will be a need to keep Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory for long, though Union Territory status will be retained for Ladakh,” PM Modi said in a 40-minute speech. The reason, he indicated, was that Central rule over the last year has been beneficial to the state and led to good governance. He also listed a series of government schemes and benefits which Modi government will introduce for the benefit and development of the people there. He assured that Ladakh can develop into a big solar power centre.
The people in J&K have suffered and nothing has functioned in the normal way. Thus, this year on, elections will be held and this will enable people of Jammu and Kashmir to choose their own MLAs, ministers and the Chief Minister of their choice.
Calling the government’s decision “historic”, he said it is the beginning of a “new era” when all citizens have equal rights and responsibilities.
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Talking about laws in J&K, he said that earlier Jammu and Kashmir followed its own law code called Ranbir Penal Code. This did not benefit the 1.2 Crore population. They never got hold of their rights which the entire country was enjoying. The rights like right to education, sanitation laws to prevent atrocities on Dalits were never reached them.
Prior to this speech, PM Modi has formally delivered his thoughts through the national television on a few important occasions. He gave an address on February 15, a day after the Pulwama terror attack. On November 8, 2016, he appeared on national television, announcing his government’s move to ban Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes.
