Narendra Modi’s historic Kashmir visit on March 7 and the massive surge of people that not only came to cheer him, but also thank him for his endeavours to take Kashmir out of the old tunnels of turmoil, speak of the huge wave of change in the Valley.
ON March 7, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Kashmir, marking a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards peace and prosperity. Against the backdrop of longstanding tensions and conflict, Modi’s visit symbolises a renewed commitment to dialogue, development, and reconciliation in Kashmir.
In a powerful address at Bakshi Stadium, the Prime Minister took centre-stage to discuss key issues plaguing the region, lambasting dynastic politics, extolling the advantages of the abrogation of Article 370, showcasing the strides in infrastructure development, and shedding light on the remarkable turnaround of the J&K Bank in recent years.
So let’s look into the possible impact of PM Modi’s visit upon the mindset of the Kashmiri youth and the broader wave of change unfolding in the Valley.
- Modi’s visit: A turning point in history
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kashmir was more than just a diplomatic gesture; it was a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and outreach to the people of the region. This visit marked Modi’s first trip to Kashmir in several years and came at a crucial juncture in India’s efforts to address the longstanding grievances of the Kashmiri people.
Prime Minister Modi minced no words as he tackled the issue of dynastic politics, a long-standing concern in Jammu and Kashmir. Drawing parallels with the national political landscape, he emphasised the need for democratic values to take precedence over familial ties in order to ensure a fair and accountable governance system.
“Jammu and Kashmir deserves leaders who are chosen for their merit, commitment, and dedication to public service, not those who inherit power based on family connections,” Modi declared, challenging the traditional political structure prevalent in the region.
Delving into the contentious Article 370, the Prime Minister reiterated the benefits of its abrogation. He highlighted how this historic decision had paved the way for the integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the mainstream of Indian governance, providing equal rights and opportunities to all citizens.
He asserted, “J&K is breathing freely today as the abrogation of Article 370 was a pivotal step towards fostering unity and equality. It has opened up new avenues for development, investment, and progress in the region”.
One of the highlights of the Prime Minister’s address was the success story of the J&K Bank, which, once struggling, has now been revived to become a profitable institution. Modi attributed this turnaround to strategic interventions and financial support extended by the government, emphasising the bank’s crucial role in fostering economic stability in the region. He also spelt out the measures taken by his government to reform the bank that he said was on the verge of loss. He said that the bank’s shares had also witnessed 12-fold increase and soared to Rs 140 from Rs 12.
“During the last five years, the bank’s business almost doubled from 1.25 lakh crore to Rs 2.25 lakh crore. Its deposits are also going to double while as the NPAs have already come drastically down from 11 percent to below 5 percent,” Modi proclaimed.
- The youth impact
Modi’s visit to Kashmir clearly has had a profound impact on the mindset of the region’s youth, many of whom have grown up amidst decades of conflict and instability. For years, the Kashmiri youth have grappled with feelings of disillusionment and alienation, fuelled by political unrest and economic stagnation. However, Modi’s emphasis on development and inclusivity resonated with this demographic, offering a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.
The announcement of new developmental projects, coupled with Modi’s personal engagement with the Kashmiri youth, served to instill a sense of optimism and empowerment among the younger generation. Many young Kashmiris expressed a newfound belief in the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns and aspirations. Modi’s visit also provided a platform for dialogue and exchange, enabling youth voices to be heard and valued in the decision-making process.
Furthermore, Modi’s visit served as a catalyst for change in the broader socio-political landscape of Kashmir. The government’s focus on job creation, skill development, and entrepreneurship has opened up new avenues of opportunity for young people, thereby reducing feelings of marginalisation and discontent. As a result, there has been a noticeable decline in support for separatist ideologies among the Kashmiri youth, who increasingly see a stake in the region’s integration with the rest of India.
Fayaz Ahmad, a labourer who attended the rally, told KC he had never witnessed such a huge rally ever before. “Modi’s aura strikes a chord with the audience and people love to listen to him. The schemes he has inaugurated are beneficial for the whole country. We must accept the truth – Modi has succeeded in bringing normalcy in Kashmir after more than 30 years and that’s a huge achievement of a prime minister in my eyes.”
During the interaction, several young entrepreneurs appraised PM Modi about the avenues being made available by Jammu & Kashmir government since August 5, 2019. They thanked the Modi-led government at the Centre for extending assistance to the unemployed youth of the Valley and ensuring that their dreams be fulfilled.
Nazim Nazeer of Pulwama shared his entrepreneurial journey with Prime Minister Modi, highlighting the government’s support in expanding his bee-keeping business. Starting with 25 subsidised boxes, he now manages 2000, employing some 100 youngsters. The Prime Minister commended Nazim’s success in the sweet revolution and suggested exploring unique honey flavours.
Ahtesham Majid Bhat, a Srinagar baker, spoke of the government backing her innovative bakery through a skill development program. PM Modi praised her for involving friends from different districts, emphasising the government’s decade-long support for youth start-ups.
Dairy entrepreneur Hamida Bano from Ganderbal, supported by NRLM, impressed the Prime Minister with her quality-focussed, eco-friendly business.
- The wave of change
One of the most notable developments in the wake of Modi’s visit is the resurgence of tourism in Kashmir. The government’s efforts to promote the region as a tourist destination have borne fruit, attracting visitors from across India and around the world. This influx of tourists has not only bolstered the local economy but has also served to showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Kashmir to a global audience.
Moreover, Modi’s emphasis on infrastructure development has led to tangible improvements in the region’s connectivity and accessibility. The inauguration of new roads, bridges, and airports has facilitated greater mobility and trade, thereby stimulating economic growth and development. Additionally, initiatives such as the ‘Back to Village’ program have helped bridge the gap between the government and the grassroots level, empowering local communities to take charge of their own development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kashmir was a watershed moment in the region’s history, signalling a new era of hope and progress. The impact of Modi’s outreach and development initiatives has been felt across Kashmir, catalysing a wave of change that is transforming the socio-economic landscape of the Valley. As the region continues on its path towards peace and prosperity, it is essential for all stakeholders to remain committed to dialogue and cooperation, ensuring that the aspirations of the Kashmiri people are realised in full.
Earlier, all the PMs struggled to garner crowds but this time it was unprecedented and a huge crowd of people from rural and urban converged at the Bakshi Stadium to welcome PM Modi. The enthusiasm was huge and the PM, while addressing the rally said, “Today, after seeing you (crowd), I can say that I have succeeded in winning the hearts of Kashmiri people. But I won’t stop here, my efforts will continue to win more hearts”.
As the echoes of the Prime Minister’s address reverberate around the stadium even now, the message is clear – Jammu and Kashmir is on the trajectory to progress, with a focus on democratic values, development, and economic stability. The challenges persist, but with the leadership’s determination and strategic initiatives, the region is poised for a brighter future.
