J&K: PM Modi promises to protect rights of Kashmiri Pandits

Vijaypur: The Prime Minister during his day-long visit to the state, on Sunday, raised the issue of Kashmiri Pandits and said that his government is committed to protect their rights, dignity and pride.

"The country will never forget the violent times in which they were forced out of their homes," he had said.

Taking the note of Kashmiri Pandits hardships he said, “The Central government is committed to mitigate the hardships of the Kashmiri Pandits, our displaced brothers and sisters and is devoted to restore their pride."

He also announced 5 more medical colleges to be constructed in the state, adding that a new Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) will give better professional education to the youth of the state.

He laid the foundation stone for AIIMS, Vijay Pur and AIIMS, Awantipora and for the construction of Northern Regional Centre Campus of Indian Institute of Mass Communication at Jammu and also launch the University of Ladakh, the first-ever varsity in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.

“In the last 70 years, there were only 500 seats in Jammu and Kashmir but with the continued efforts of the Bharatiya Janata party, these seats have been doubled. The new 750 bedded AIIMS will not only provide better healthcare facilities to the people of J&K but would also become beneficial for medical students of nearby areas,” the Prime Minister said.

Modi further said, “The transportation in the state is being strengthened in the state. The road network is being improved and new roads are being constructed to make stronger connectivity. Rs. 40,000 crore is being allocated for the same.”

The Prime Minister said that over three lakh tourists visited Leh during the last year and around a lakh also travelled to the Kargil district during that period.

"This figure is around half the total number of tourists who visited the Kashmir Valley last year. Tourism in Ladakh will reach new heights in the coming years and I promise that," Modi said

"Over 40 per cent of your population is compromised of students and your longstanding demand for setting up a university here is being fulfilled today."

"The five focal points of my government have been education for children, employment for the youth, healthcare for senior citizens, irrigation for the farmers and addressing the grievances of the common citizens," he added.

The Prime Minister is slated to lay the foundation stones for developmental projects worth Rs 35,000 crore and also inaugurate few other projects worth Rs 9,000.

Authorities have suspended mobile internet services in Srinagar, to ensure that PM's visit passes off smoothly.

However, many separatists groups called for a complete shutdown in the valley to protest against Modi’s visit.