PM Modi’s JK visit: Language of development stunned them all?

By Milind Arolkar

Srinagar, July 6: What is the outcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir? Is it mere dedicating some projects to nation? Was it just a photo op for the new PM? Was it political as just narrowing distance between the state leadership and central government? The reports of Modi’s first visit to JK hint that it was more than all the above. Has PM Modi’s first JK visit stunned all who misjudged all kind of communal forces, separatists and narrow-visioned political leadership of the state?

In his first ever visit to the state of Jammu Kashmir as a Prime Minister; Narendra Modi has been successful in sending a firm message to the nation and all kind of elements operating in JK. The message is clear: The Prime Minister said that his Government would work towards a common development model for Himalayan states from Jammu and Kashmir to the north-east. In his two day visit on 4-5 July, PM Modi spoke about the agenda of development and good governance.

This ‘unprecedented’ agenda for Jammu Kashmir by any Prime Minister has stunned the political lines of many in the state. Modi’s politics of development has given a dent to the political strategy of JK Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who said that state is not demanding more than what was its right. Abdullah also denied being part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security meeting in Srinagar during his two-day visit. Abdullah, who was cozier while dealing with UPA governments and especially the Gandhis, was seen distant and uncomfortable with the idea of PM Modi visiting his state. It was unfortunate to see the Chief Minister of any state underrating the Prime Minister’s visit terming it “some central government functions and nothing more than that”.

The separatist forces like Hurriyat announced bandh in the vally. Bashiruddin Ahmad, the grand mufti of JK Muslims, with his grand communal agenda tried to sensationalize PM’s visit saying that the issue of rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pundits is a political conspiracy. Mufti Bashiruddin is the president of Majlis Itihad-e-Milat, a joint representative forum of about a dozen religious organisations, including Jamat-e-Islami, Jamiat-e-Ahli Hadees and Anjuman-e-Sharia Shian. He also warned of protests in the valley. Mufti said, “We have discussed the issue of pundits. We want them to return but there are being reestablished here because of a conspiracy. We will strongly oppose it”. He also stretched the issue by accusing the central government of planning to change the demography of the Valley by planning to settle RSS workers in the garb of Kashmiri Pundits under the scheme.

Interestingly some media houses also tried to hype the communal sentiments by taking granted the agenda of Modi’s first visit to JK saying that Modi would announce the planning to rehabilitate Kashmiri pundits. Ironically for all such elements, the Prime Minister remained stuck to his agenda of development than politics. The two days of Narendra Modi in JK were packed with all such events which knocked all such blame game.

Prime Minister while dedicating “Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Udhampur railway line” to the nation, said that the development of Jammu and Kashmir will continue unhindered and with the new railway station at Katra, it will in fact be a more qualitative development. Modi said his Government would work towards a common development model for Himalayan states from Jammu and Kashmir to the north-east.

Displaying his political maturity, in his entire JK visit PM chose to speak about his ‘Vikas Yatra’, the journey of development, that he is envisaging for the state rattled by the communal and separatist voices.

Speaking of the significance of his visit, Modi said, "Today brings speed to the state of Jammu and Kashmir through this rail link, and energy through the Uri-II hydro-electric project, which I shall be inaugurating later in the day. I am beginning my "Vikas Yatra" - development journey - for the country with the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi."

He said that his Government will take this Vikas Yatra forward, establish new standards, and work for benefit of the common man.

He voiced his objective is to win the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, through development, and through their benefit. He added that the intention is not political win or loss. PM Modi said the state of Jammu and Kashmir has passed through a difficult time; whether or not in power, it is our wish and our responsibility to improve the quality of life of the people, meet their aspirations, provide jobs to youth, and reach the last man in the line.

As an example of Modi’s imaginative vision, he suggested the Katra rail station to make environment-friendly, people-friendly railway station which will inspire the use of solar energy. After visiting the Railway Station and checking minute details, Modi suggested that solar energy be used to meet the energy requirements of the station.

While dedicating 240 MW Uri-II hydropower project to the nation, Modi said his Government is committed to dispel darkness from the country.

The politics of adhering to the article 370 has cost the overall growth of the state. The judicious human rights issue of the Kashmiri pundits is also seen as a political ploy to create chaos in the state to keep the nationalist forces away. The state is limping due to the communal atmosphere by the nurtured separatist forces and narrow visionary governments and their pathetic style of governance in the state.

But now the people of Jammu Kashmir are starving for the most essential agenda of development. The common man of JK who is facing a dusky atmosphere caused by the communal and separatist politics must have got some fresh air with new language of a happiness and prosperity of all. If they understand, this is the only message of PM Modi’s first visit to JK for the outdated age-old concepts of governance and likewise political and communal leadership of Jammu Kashmir.