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J&K youth have made up their mind to give befitting reply to terrorism: PM

Katra (J&K), June 6 (UNI) Lauding the resilience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday stated that their firm stand against Pakistan’s conspiracy sends a powerful message.
“The youth of Jammu and Kashmir are now determined to confront terrorism head-on and the destructive impact of terrorism, recalling how it burned schools, devastated hospitals, and shattered generations in the Kashmir valley,” PM Modi said addressing the gathering here at Sports Stadium after inaugurating World’s highest rail bridge and flagging off Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat connecting Kashmir with rest of India.
He noted that terrorism even made free and fair elections a major challenge, depriving people of their right to choose their representatives.
The Prime Minister affirmed that the strength and determination displayed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir marks a turning point, signaling their commitment to peace, progress, and a brighter future.
Modi stated that for years, Jammu and Kashmir endured terrorism, leading many to abandon their dreams and accept violence as their fate.
Condemning Pakistan’s repeated attempts to disrupt this progress, the Prime Minister stated that it stands against humanity, social harmony, and economic prosperity.
Referring to the April 22 incident in Pahalgam, Modi asserted that Pakistan attacked both Kashmiriyat and humanity, intending to incite violence in India and cripple the earnings of hardworking Kashmiris.
He pointed out that the deliberate attack on tourists was meant to sabotage the flourishing tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir, which had witnessed record-high visitor numbers over the past few years.
The Prime Minister remarked that Pakistan’s malicious intent directly impacted local workers, including horse riders, porters, guides, guest house owners, and shopkeepers, aiming to destroy their livelihoods.
He praised the courage of young Adil, who stood against terrorists, but tragically lost his life while striving to support his family through honest labor.
Modi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that terrorism will never succeed in halting the region’s progress.
However, he underscored that the government has changed the reality, enabling the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to dream again — and fulfill those dreams.
The Prime Minister expressed that Kashmir’s youth now take joy in seeing bustling markets, vibrant shopping malls, and flourishing cinema halls.
He noted that locals aspire to revive Jammu and Kashmir as a premier destination for film shoots and develop it into a hub for sports.
He also highlighted the excitement surrounding the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and the festive spirit of Eid, demonstrating the region’s resilience and progress.
Firmly asserting that the momentum of development in Jammu and Kashmir will not be shaken by the Pahalgam attack, the Prime Minister reassured the people that nothing will hinder the region’s growth, declaring that any obstacle threatening the dreams of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth will have to face himself.
Recalling that exactly one month ago, on this very night, India executed Operation Sindoor, delivering a decisive blow to Pakistan-based terrorists, the Prime Minister said, “whenever Pakistan hears the name of operation Sindoor, it will be reminded of its humiliating defeat”.
He underlied that Pakistan’s military and terror networks never anticipated India’s bold move, and within minutes, the terror infrastructure they had built over decades was reduced to ruins.
Modi stated that Pakistan was left in shock and frustration, reacting by targeting innocent civilians in Jammu, Poonch, and other districts.
He condemned Pakistan’s brutal attacks, pointing out that the world witnessed how it destroyed homes, bombed schools and hospitals, and shelled temples, mosques, and gurudwaras.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister announced that families who lost loved ones due to cross-border firing have already received appointment letters for government assistance.
Recognising the hardship faced by over 2,000 families affected by shelling, Modi affirmed that their pain is the nation's pain.
He stated that financial aid was previously provided for home repairs, ensuring relief for those impacted and further declared that the Central Government has now decided to enhance this support, offering greater assistance to affected families.
The Prime Minister announced additional financial aid for families whose homes were damaged due to cross-border shelling.
He stated that households suffering severe damage will now receive Rs 2 lakh, while partially damaged homes will be granted Rs 1 lakh in additional assistance, beyond the support already provided earlier.
Modi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to standing by affected families, ensuring continued relief and helping them rebuild their homes and lives.
“The government recognises border residents as the nation's frontline protectors”, affirmed the Prime Minister.
He said over the past decade, unprecedented efforts have been made to strengthen development and security in the border districts.
Highlighting key initiatives, Modi stated that approximately 10,000 new bunkers have been constructed, which played a critical role in safeguarding lives during the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
The Prime Minister announced the formation of two new Border Battalions for the Jammu and Kashmir division, further enhancing security operations in the region.
Additionally, he shared that two dedicated Women Battalions have also been successfully established, reinforcing defense capabilities and empowering women in the armed forces.
Highlighting the significant infrastructure development taking place in India’s international border regions, particularly in challenging terrains, the Prime Minister announced that hundreds of crores of rupees are being invested to improve connectivity and security.
He stated that the Kathua-Jammu Highway is being upgraded into a six-lane expressway, while the Akhnoor-Poonch Highway is undergoing widening to facilitate smoother travel.
Modi mentioned that 400 villages in Jammu and Kashmir, previously lacking all-weather connectivity, are now being linked with 1,800 kilometers of newly constructed roads.
The Prime Minister made a special appeal to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, urging them to actively participate in India’s manufacturing revolution.
He emphasised that Operation Sindoor demonstrated the strength of Atmanirbhar Bharat, and today, the world is recognizing India’s defense ecosystem.
Attributing the success to the armed forces’ trust in ‘Make in India’, stating that every Indian must now emulate their commitment, the Prime Minister highlighted the Mission Manufacturing initiative, announced in this year’s budget, aimed at accelerating India’s manufacturing sector.
He called upon young innovators and entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir to join this mission, stating that India needs their modern thinking, innovation, ideas, and skills to elevate national security and economic growth.
Modi remarked that India has emerged as a leading defense exporter over the past decade, and the next goal is to position India among the world’s top defense exporters.
Calling upon every Indian to make a commitment to prioritise products made in India, Modi emphasised that these goods are a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of fellow citizens.
The Prime Minister affirmed that a bright and prosperous future awaits Jammu and Kashmir, as both the Central Government and the state government continue to work together toward development.
He laid stress on a spirit of collaboration and progress, ensuring that peace and prosperity remain the foundation of this journey.
The Prime Minister expressed his unwavering resolve to strengthen the path of growth, driven by the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi.
He reiterated the commitment to a developed India and a developed Jammu and Kashmir, striving to achieve this vision with determination and unity. UNI VBH SSP
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