Modi In Kashmir: PM To Address Rally, Launch Projects In 1st Visit To Valley Since Article 370

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on his first visit to Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. During this visit, he will unveil multiple development projects totaling over Rs 6,400 crore and address a public gathering in Srinagar on Thursday. Stringent security measures have been implemented to ensure a safe visit, with Bakshi Stadium, the venue of the prime minister’s rally, draped in the tricolor, as confirmed by officials.

PM Modi will participate in the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir’ program at the stadium and inaugurate initiatives aimed at boosting the agricultural economy of the Union Territory, amounting to nearly Rs 5,000 crore, as per an official statement, as per PTI.

With the Lok Sabha elections looming and opposition parties pressing for an announcement regarding assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, the upcoming visit of the PM has assumed significant political implications. Given the timing, there is keen anticipation regarding what the PM might articulate on this contentious issue.

BJP Abrogated Article 370 On August 5, 2019

The BJP-led Centre’s decision to abrogate Article 370 on August 5, 2019, and subsequently bifurcate the erstwhile state into the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, has heightened political tensions in the region. Ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, several schools situated along his route have been shuttered for Wednesday and Thursday, while board examinations slated for Thursday have been deferred until the following month, as per PTI.

The statement outlined PM Modi’s agenda during his visit to Kashmir, highlighting his involvement in launching nationwide projects aimed at bolstering the tourism sector, collectively valued at over Rs 1,400 crore. These projects, falling under the ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and ‘PRASHAD’ schemes, include initiatives for the integrated development of the revered Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar.

Additionally, PM Modi is set to inaugurate the ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll’ and the ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora’ campaign, alongside announcing tourist destinations chosen under the Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) scheme.

PM Modi Will Distribute Appointment Letters To 1,000 Newly Government Employees

Moreover, the Prime Minister will distribute appointment letters to approximately 1,000 newly recruited government employees in Jammu and Kashmir and engage with beneficiaries of various central schemes, encompassing women achievers, farmers, and entrepreneurs, the statement said. 

In a step that will provide a major boost to the agri-economy of the region under the ‘Holistic Agriculture Development Programme’ (HADP) to be launched by the prime minister, the statement said it will cover the full spectrum of activities in three major domains of horticulture, agriculture and livestock husbandry. The programme is expected to equip about 2.5 lakh farmers with skill-development training and about 2,000 farmers’ service centres will be established and robust value chains put in place for the welfare of the farming community. 

The tourism projects set to be launched by PM Modi align closely with his vision to enhance the overall experience for tourists and pilgrims visiting key pilgrimage and tourism destinations nationwide. These initiatives are aimed at developing world-class infrastructure and amenities at these sites, as stated in the announcement. Alongside the project for the Hazratbal shrine, the initiatives encompass the development of tourism facilities in various circuits across the country.

This includes the Northeast Circuit in Meghalaya, Spiritual Circuit in Bihar and Rajasthan, and Rural and Tirthankar Circuit in Bihar, among others. and some other projects in states such as Telangana and Madhya Pradesh. In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate 43 projects aimed at enhancing various pilgrimage and tourist sites throughout the country.

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These projects are designed to improve the infrastructure and facilities at these locations, thus enriching the overall experience for visitors. Furthermore, the Prime Minister will introduce a groundbreaking nationwide initiative titled ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice 2024’, the statement said.

The ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora’ Campaign aims at inspiring the Indian diaspora to become Incredible India ambassadors and promote tourism in India.

The launch of the ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora’ Campaign is in response to the Prime Minister’s impassioned appeal to members of the Indian diaspora, urging them to encourage at least five non-Indian friends to visit India. With a diaspora numbering more than three crore overseas Indians, this community holds immense potential to significantly impact Indian tourism, acting as cultural ambassadors, the statement said. Meanwhile, the officials said tight security arrangements have been made for the visit of the prime minister. 

Security measures have been significantly heightened ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Srinagar, with a large deployment of security personnel along the routes he is expected to take during his stay. Barricades have been erected at various locations to restrict movement, ensuring the Prime Minister’s safety. Surveillance efforts include the use of drones and CCTV cameras, while security forces have intensified foot patrols within a two-kilometre radius of the venue.

Additionally, marine commandos have been stationed in the Jhelum River and Dal Lake to deter any potential subversive activities involving these water bodies.