Two days after the parliament approved a resolution abrogating special status to
Jammu and Kashmir under
Article 370 of the constitution and bill for splitting the state into two Union Territories, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi in a highly anticipated address to the nation, laid down the rationale behind this historic decisions and elaborated on the consequences of this move.
Takeaways from Narendra Modi's address to the nation-
* We have removed the provisions in Article 370 which acted as an impediment to J&k and Ladakh's development.
*This act of the government will usher in a new dawn in the region and help in the development of the youth there.
*Article 35A, 370 acted as a tool to spread terrorism and violence in the valley.
* 42,000 lives were lost due to nefarious activities, largely espoused by few individuals for their personal agenda.
* Laws are made for the entire country, but J&K did not get the benefits of such progressive laws.
* All J&K workers will get the benefits for all employment schemes given by the government.
* All post in J&K will be filled soon.
*Government's decision to create two UTs namely- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh was taken after constructive discussions and weighed options.
* Schemes on paper will now be implemented on ground in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Projects that remained on paper will actually see the light of the day.
* Large parts of Jammu and Kashmir was bereft of democratic practices and electoral culture which exists elsewhere in the country.
* There will be IITs and IIMs in the region (Jammu and Kashmir).
* Once the conditions normalise in Jammu and Kashmir, will bring back the status of "Statehood" in Jammu and Kashmir.
* Panchayats played an important role in ushering in local governance in Jammu and Kashmir. Civic issues were addressed with local participation. These leaders were successful in changing the narrative from 'terrorism' to 'development'.
*Government attempts to provide a conducive environment for tourists and the creative bodies( film & theatre) to engage with the state. The state can become the biggest tourist destination.
* Centre's decision will help sports and provide sporting talents with the much needed infrastructure to excel.
* There are many plants in Jammu and Kashmir which can be used for their medicinal properties.
* Ladakh can become a solar power house and play a crucial role in International Solar Alliance. There will be development in the UT without any kind of discrimination.