Union Territory Status of J&K will not be Permanent: PM Modi

New Delhi, August 8, 2019:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation at 8 pm today in a special broadcast on looknational television and radio at 8 pm.

This came two days after the government's decision to end special status for Jammu and Kashmir and split it into two union territories.

The Prime Minister began his address by saying that nullifying Article 370 of the Constitution was a historic decision that fulfils the dreams of Sardar Patel, B.R Ambedkar and crores of patriots. Modi said that Kashmiris who were deprived of benefits and development because of special status, will no more be left behind

He said that the benefits of central schemes, such as reservation of STs and SCs will now extend to the region.

He said that all government employees in Jammu and Kashmir, including those from the J&K Police, will get the same benefits as government employees in other union territories

The Prime Minister said that elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been without a government for more than a year now after the BJP ended its coalition with PDP, will be held soon. Although the Lok Sabha elections were held in the state in May, Assembly elections were not and lack of enough resources to provide security was cited as the reason at the time. The PM assures people of Kashmir that they will continue to choose their leaders like before and their CM like earlier, but the new paradigm change will improve the situation in the state. He also expressed confidence that closer cooperation with the Centre will help put an end to terrorism and separatism in the region.

The PM also said that the status of UT given to Jammu and Kashmir will not be permanent.

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