April 09
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Article 370 and Article 35-A are a hindrance to the development of Jammu and Kashmir. “The people of Kashmir want a change, including in Article 35-A and Article 370 as the two articles hinder development,” Modi said in an interview with New18.
“The problem in Kashmir is largely due to the 50-odd political families. They have been milking the issue,” Modi said.
He said that these families don’t want any benefit to be given to the common Kashmiri people. “They are using public sentiment for political gains. The income tax department has cracked down on such elements,” Modi added.
“While stone-throwers are funded by Pakistan to protect militants, when there is crackdown by the NIA on militant operators, people stand outside their homes and clap. People of Kashmir want freedom from such political families who have been preying on their emotions for 50 years. The situation in Kashmir is such that people want change, whether it is about Article 35A or 370,” Prime Minister said.
PM Modi said it was the former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s policies which were being an obstacle for the development in the Valley.
“There must be investment and job opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir. 35A, 370 have been standing in the way of development. No one goes there to invest. We can build IIMs, but professors are not ready to go there as their children don’t get admission in schools. They can’t find homes. This ends up harming the interests of J&K. Pandit Nehru’s policies stand as an obstacle for J&K today. It needs to be reviewed,” the Indian Prime Minister said. PTI