New Delhi: One of the biggest decisions taken by PrimeMinister Narendra Modi in the first 75 days of his government is the abrogationof Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, which would help bring about betterintegration and mobility and end the concept of dual citizenship. Modi used theheft of his mandate to prise through the contentious issue in what was apolitical and a diplomatic masterstroke.

The decision to revoke Article 370, which provided specialstatus for Jammu and Kashmir, has been welcomed by many and also opposed by afew. There seems to be an uneasy calm at the moment. What makes the primeminister think that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will stand with him?"Pleasesee the list of people who have opposed the decisions about Kashmir — the usualvested interest groups, political dynasties, those who sympathise with terror,and some friends in the Opposition. The people of India, irrespective of whattheir political preference, have supported the steps taken in Jammu, Kashmir,and Ladakh. This is about the nation, not politics," he responded."The people of India are seeing that tough but essential decisions thatwere earlier assumed to be impossible are becoming a reality."

As the dragnet eases and life limps back to normal in theValley, Modi has a clear view on the issue and reckons that these provisionsactually harmed India, for a handful of families and a separatist cabalcapitalised on this."It is now clear to everyone how Articles 370 and35(A) fully isolated Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The status quo of seven longdecades clearly could not fulfill people's aspirations. Citizens were kept awayfrom the fruits of development. The greatest casualty was the lack of any propereconomic avenues to increase earnings. Our approach is different — instead ofthe vicious cycle of poverty, the people need more economic opportunities. Foryears, intimidation ruled the roost. Let us now give development achance," he said.Modi followed up by making a plea to his brethren inKashmir.

"My sisters and brothers of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakhalways wanted a better future for them, but Article 370 did not enable it.There was injustice against women and children, Scheduled Tribes as well asScheduled Castes communities. And, most importantly, the innovative zeal of thepeople of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh was not harnessed. Now, from BPOs tostartups, from food processing to tourism, many industries can avail ofinvestment and create opportunities for the local youth. Education and skilldevelopment will also bloom."

Modi said that the region would develop as per the wishes oflocal people, their dreams and ambitions. "The growth of these regionswill first and foremost be powered by those belonging to these regions.Articles 370 and 35(A) were like chains that kept people tied. These chains arenow broken, people have been unshackled from such dominance and they will nowshape their own destiny," he added.For those opposing the decisions onJammu and Kashmir, Modi believes they should answer a basic question — What istheir defence for Articles 370 and 35(A) remaining?

They would have no answer to this question," Modiargued. "And these are the same people who are used to protesting when itcomes to anything that helps common people. There is a project to provide waterto people, they will oppose it. There is a railway track being built, they willoppose that. Their heart only beats for Maoists and terrorists who have onlybullied common citizens. Today, every Indian is fully standing with the peopleof Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and I am confident they will stand with us in theaim to boost development and bring peace."When asked whether the voice ofthe people of Kashmir would be heard, Modi said the erstwhile state has neverwitnessed such a strong commitment in favour of democracy before.

"Remember the turnout during the panchayat elections?The people voted in large numbers and did not get cowed by bullying. InNovember and December 2018, there were 35,000 sarpanches elected and theturnout in the panchayat elections was a record 74%. There was no violenceduring the panchayat elections. Not a drop of blood was shed in pollviolence," he said.

"This, when the main parties there were lukewarm tothis entire exercise. It is very satisfying that now panchayats are back at theforefront of furthering development and human empowerment. Imagine, for so manyyears those in power did not find it prudent to work towards strengtheningpanchayats. And they gave great sermons on democracy, but the words never ledto action," he added.

Modi said it surprised and saddened him that the 73rdAmendment did not apply to Jammu and Kashmir. "How could such injustice betolerated? It was in the last few years that panchayats in Jammu and Kashmirgot more powers to work towards people's progress and various subjectstransferred to panchayats under the 73rd amendment were transferred topanchayats of Jammu and Kashmir," he said."Now, I have requested the Governorto work towards organising block panchayat elections too. Recently, the Jammuand Kashmir administration did the 'Back to Village' programme, where theentire government machinery went to the people instead of vice-versa. They wentjust to mitigate people's problems. The common citizens appreciated theprogramme," he said. "The results of these efforts are for all tosee. Swachh Bharat, rural electrification and other such initiatives arereaching the grassroots. This is what democracy truly is."

Modi said correcting mistakes and imbalances was at thekernel of his intent on J&K.

"In any case, I have assured people that elections inJammu, Kashmir will continue and it is the people of these regions only whowill represent the larger public. Those who ruled Kashmir thinking it is theirdivine right to do so will dislike democratisation and peddle incorrectnarratives. They do not want a self-made, younger leadership to emerge. Theseare the same people whose own conduct in the 1987 elections has beensuspect," Modi said. "Article 370 has helped the local politicalclass avoid transparency and accountability. Its removal will only empowerdemocracy even more."