J&K youth now carry books and pens, not stones, PM Modi on record voter turnout
PTC News Desk: On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the record voter turnout during the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, highlighting a significant shift in the region’s atmosphere. He remarked that the youth of J&K, once known for throwing stones at security forces, are now focused on education, carrying books and pens instead of engaging in violence.
The first phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir saw an impressive turnout of 60.21 per cent, the highest in the last seven Assembly elections, indicating a positive shift in political engagement in the region.
PM Modi also acknowledged the essential role of Kashmiri Pandits in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of Kashmir, known as Kashmiriyat. He emphasised that the Pandit community has always been deeply connected to the region's heritage.
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However, Modi criticised the actions of three influential political dynasties—the National Conference, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Congress—stating that their self-serving politics have contributed to the displacement of Kashmiri Hindus from their ancestral homes.
In his address, Modi further highlighted the struggles faced by Sikh families in Kashmir, who, like the Kashmiri Hindus, have endured violence and atrocities over the years. He accused the same political families of being complicit in injustices against both the Hindu and Sikh communities, suggesting that their policies and actions have exacerbated the suffering and displacement of these groups.
The prime minister’s remarks reflected both optimism regarding the region’s growing political participation and a stern critique of the historical political leadership’s role in the displacement and struggles of minority communities in Jammu and Kashmir.
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- With inputs from agencies
