Kashmir problem can be solved by embracing people: PM Modi in Independence Day speech

Jammu and Kashmir, which is under Governor’s Rule, will hold panchayat and local body elections, says Prime Minister.

Every problem in Jammu and Kashmir can be solved by embracing its people, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, using his Independence Day speech to reach out to the militancy-affected region.

A paramilitary trooper stands guard on the banks of Dal lake as security measures ahead of Indian Independence day, in Srinagar on August 14, 2018. (AFP)

“Whether it is of Ladakh or Jammu or Kashmir Valley, there should be balanced and equal development. All expectations of the people there should be fulfilled, infrastructure should be strengthened and we should walk with everyone. We don’t want to move in the path of guns and abuse,” he said.

“Atalji called for ‘insaniyat’ (humanity), ‘Kashmiriat’ (Kashmiri culture) and ‘jamhooriyat’ (democracy). I also said that the issues in Kashmir can be resolved by embracing the people of Kashmir,” he said at the Red Fort

Modi said Jammu and Kashmir, which is under Governor’s Rule, will hold panchayat and local body elections. He did not say when.

Jammu and Kashmir plunged into political crisis on June 19 when the Bharatiya Janata Party ended its alliance with the People’s Democratic Party, forcing chief minister Mehbooba Mufti to resign and paving the way for the state to come under direct Central rule to be overseen by governor NN Vohra.