New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Kashmir for the first time since Article 370 was repealed. During his visit, he will unveil several development projects worth more than Rs 6,400 crore and address a public gathering in Srinagar on Thursday. Stringent security measures have been put in place to ensure a safe visit, with Bakshi Stadium, the site of the prime minister’s rally, draped in the tricolour, according to officials.
PM Modi will attend the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir’ program at the stadium and launch initiatives aimed at boosting the Union Territory’s agricultural economy worth nearly Rs 5,000 crore, according to an official statement, as reported by The Ultimate News.
With the Lok Sabha elections looming and opposition parties pressing for an announcement on assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit has significant political implications. Given the timing, there is great anticipation for what the Prime Minister will say on this contentious issue.
BJP Abrogated Article 370 On August 5, 2019
The BJP-led Centre’s decision to repeal Article 370 on August 5, 2019, and then divide the former state into the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has heightened political tensions in the region. Several schools along the Prime Minister’s route have been closed on Wednesday and Thursday, and board exams scheduled for Thursday have been postponed until the following month, according to The Ultimate News.
The statement outlined PM Modi’s agenda for his visit to Kashmir, highlighting his involvement in launching nationwide tourism-related projects worth more than Rs 1,400 crore. These projects, which fall under the ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and ‘PRASHAD’ schemes, include plans for the integrated development of Srinagar’s revered Hazratbal shrine.
PM Modi will also launch the ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll’ and ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora’ campaigns, as well as announce the tourist destinations chosen under the Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) scheme.
PM Modi Will Distribute Appointment Letters To 1,000 Newly Government Employees
Furthermore, the Prime Minister will distribute appointment letters to approximately 1,000 newly recruited government employees in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as meet with beneficiaries of various central schemes, including women achievers, farmers, and entrepreneurs, according to the statement.
The ‘Holistic Agriculture Development Programme’ (HADP), which will be launched by the prime minister, will cover the full spectrum of activities in three major domains: horticulture, agriculture, and livestock husbandry, according to the statement. The programme is expected to provide skill-development training to approximately 2.5 lakh farmers, as well as the establishment of approximately 2,000 farmers’ service centres and the implementation of robust value chains for the benefit of the farming community.
PM Modi’s tourism projects are closely aligned with his vision of improving the overall experience for tourists and pilgrims visiting key pilgrimage and tourism destinations across the nation. According to the announcement, the goal of these initiatives is to develop world-class infrastructure and amenities at these sites. Along with the Hazratbal shrine project, the initiatives include the development of tourism facilities throughout the country.
This includes the Northeast Circuit in Meghalaya, the Spiritual Circuit in Bihar and Rajasthan, and the Rural and Tirthankar Circuit in Bihar, among other things. There are also some other projects in states like Telangana and Madhya Pradesh. In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate 43 projects to improve various pilgrimage and tourist sites throughout the country.
These projects aim to improve the infrastructure and facilities at these locations, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Furthermore, the Prime Minister will launch a groundbreaking nationwide initiative called ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice 2024,’ according to the statement.
The ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora’ Campaign aims to inspire Indian diaspora members to become Incredible India ambassadors and promote tourism in India.
The launch of the ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora’ Campaign follows the Prime Minister’s passionate appeal to members of the Indian diaspora to invite at least five non-Indian friends to visit India. With a diaspora of more than three crore overseas Indians, this community has enormous potential to significantly impact Indian tourism by serving as cultural ambassadors, the statement said. Meanwhile, officials said the prime minister’s visit will be subject to strict security measures.
Security precautions have been significantly increased ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Srinagar, with a large number of security personnel deployed along the routes he is expected to take during his stay. Barricades have been erected in various locations to restrict movement and ensure the Prime Minister’s security. Drones and CCTV cameras are being used to conduct surveillance, and security forces have increased foot patrols within a two-kilometer radius of the venue.
Marine commandos have also been stationed in the Jhelum River and Dal Lake to deter any potential subversive activities in these water bodies.