Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the nation for the first time after the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. He has blamed the Article and the special status given on slowing down the pace of development in J&K. PM Modi was supposed to address the nation on Wednesday but has postponed the event to Thursday owing to the sudden demise of Sushma Swaraj, former external affairs minister. The Prime Minister addressed the nation on Thursday through All India Radio Broadcast.
'Kashmiris were deprived of development due to Special Status. Article 370 has denied equal rights to Women in Kashmir. Not even reservation for SC/STs in Jammu & Kashmir. But now, Kashmiris can avail benefits just alike rest of the nation. Government Employees in J&K will receive the same benefits as that of Govt Employees in other UTs' said the Prime Minister assuring Assembly Elections in the Jammu and Kashmir region.
The new bill passed will have the state Jammu and Kashmir divided into two Union Territories (Ladakh and J&K). “I urge the people of J&K and Ladakh to show their capability to the world," said the Prime Minister to end his address.
