New Delhi, August 28: Days after the Centre scrapped the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of Thursday addressed the nation over his government’s move. Through his address he reached out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and explained why his government revoked the special status. The Prime Minister also termed the decision of scrapping the special status of J&K as "a new beginning for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh".

PM Modi, first of all, congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh for the state’s integration into the mainland. He said that the dream of Sardar Patel, Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and of crores of patriots has been fulfilled. He also alleged that Pakistan was using Article 370 as a weapon against India.

Highlights of PM Modi's Speech:

Termed The Decision as Historic:

The Prime Minister said that provisions of Article 370 were obstacles in Jammu and Kashmir’s development and getting away with these provisions is a historic move. PM Modi stated, “We as a nation, as a family, have taken a historic decision. A system due to which brothers and sisters of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh were deprived of many rights & which was a big obstacle to their development, hat system has been done away with.”He also promised to build top education institutions in the valley.

Same Laws Will Be Applicable in Jammu And Kashmir:

PM Modi also highlighted that union laws which are in force against atrocities against Dalits, were earlier not applicable in J&K. He said that with the Centre’s move to dilute Article 370, sanitation workers of Jammu and Kashmir will come under the sanitation worker act like other Indian states.

Union Territory Status to Jammu And Kashmir is Temporary:

PM Modi assured that the union territory status to Jammu and Kashmir will be removed once the normalcy prevails However, he added that Ladakh will remain as a UT. He said, “The decision to keep J&K directly under Central administration for a brief period was a well thought over decision. Since Governor rule was implemented in J&K, state admin has been directly in touch with the Centre due to which the effects of good governance can be seen on ground.”

Full Video of PM Modi's Speech:

Invited Bollywood Industry to Shoot Movies in Jammu And Kashmir:

The Prime Minister while expressing desire to make Jammu and Kashmir a tourist hub, he said that he is confident that in future even international films will be shot there apart from Bollywood movies.

Saluted Martyrs From Jammu and Kashmir:

PM Modi also saluted the sacrifice of Major Sonam Wangchuk during the Kargil war. He remembered rifleman Aurangzeb who was killed by terrorists in June last year. PM Modi also hailed the brothers of Aurangzeb for joining the Indian Army.

Wished People on Eid:

The Prime Minister extended wishes to people of the country including Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of Eid. He assured that adequate arrangements will be made for the people of the newly formed union territory for celebrating the holy festival.

The Modi government scrapped special status of Jammu and Kashmir also divide the state into two union terroPresident Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday signed an order ending the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370, a day after Parliament passed the resolution.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 08, 2019 09:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).