Modi reaches out to people of Kashmir, says it’s painful to see youths wielding stones instead of books
Bhabra (MP): PM Modi yesterday reached out to the people of Kashmir and indicated willingness to hold dialogue under the framework of “insaniyat (humanity), jamhuriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat”.
Kashmiri protesters hurl stones at security forces during an agitation against civilian killings in Srinagar yesterday. Pic/AFP
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Breaking his silence on the over-a-month-long unrest which has claimed more than 55 lives, Modi said it was painful to see youngsters, who should be holding laptops, book and cricket bats, wielding stones. “Kashmir has the same freedom every Indian feels. One feels pained to see innocent youths have been handed stones. Politics of some people is clicking but what will happen to these gullible youths. Humanity and Kashmiriyat will not be allowed to be hit. The path of democracy and dialogue is there,” he said. Modi also appealed to those holding guns in Kashmir to give it up and take up ploughs to turn Kashmir green for the benefit of people.
He hailed other political parties, especially Congress, for speaking in one voice on the Kashmir issue, calling it the strength of India. “Our Kashmir is heaven for countrymen. But, a handful of people in Kashmir, which is loved by India so much, a few misled people are harming this great tradition,” he said.
Addressing the people of conflict-hit Kashmir, he said, “Governments of India and Jammu & Kashmir, besides 125 crore Indians, wish you well. They want your development. Whatever India has to give for your development, we are ready to give.”
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