Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday evening, addressedthe nation on the decision to scrap Article 370 which gave special rights toJammu and Kashmir, and also outlined grand plans for the people here in thecoming times. The move to scrap Article 370 brought about the integration ofJammu and Kashmir with India in the truest sense and while there have been somecritical voices, most others have largely welcomed a decision that is both boldas well as historic.

In his address to the nation, PM Modi said that dreams ofcountless people have now been fulfilled and that the ground situation willgradually ease back to normal, erasing all troubles with people beating downthe threat from terrorists and separatists. "Jammu and Kashmir is thecrown of our country and we are proud of it. Many sacrifices have been made butpeople here will rise past terror and separatism now. I congratulate the peopleof Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh," he said. "The problems of peoplehere were never discussed. No one was able to say how Article 370 benefittedpeople here. Article 370 did not give anything more than terrorism andcorruption. It was used by Pakistan as a weapon. 42,000 innocent people werekilled here because of it. The development of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakhcould not happen at the pace that was deserving."Highlighting how peopleof Jammu and Kashmir suffered due to a number of reasons brought about byArticle 370, PM Modi said that the time has come for education, investments andother benefits to penetrate to people here. "What wrong did the childrendo here that they were unable to get the same education as children elsewherein India? We as a nation, as a family, have taken a historic decision. A systemdue to which brothers and sisters of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh were deprived ofmany rights and which was a big obstacle to their development, that system hasbeen done away with," he said.PM Modi then sought to assure Kashmiris thatthey alone would choose their political representatives. He also said that itis in everyone's interest to have Assembly election here so that energeticpolitical representatives can be chosen by the people here. "You will beable to choose your political representatives just like before," he said."I urge the youth and women to come out and actively participate ingovernance."PM Modi also assured that various schemes for governmentemployees which were previously not provided to employees in Jammu and Kashmirwould now start. "PSUs and private sector companies would be encouraged toprovide job opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir," PM Modi added.

The government earlier this week had also moved to bifurcateJammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories and the Jammu and KashmirReorganisation Bill was passed by both Rajya Sabha as well as Lok Sabha. Notonly does this promise to bring better administration in Jammu and Kashmir butalso puts the limelight on Ladakh and on the aspirations of people here.

In his address to the nation, PM Modi said that a lot of thoughthad gone into having Jammu and Kashmir under Centre's governance. "Thedecision to keep Jammu and Kashmir directly under Central administration for abrief period was a well thought over decision. Since Governor's rule wasimplemented, state administration has been directly in touch with Centre due towhich the effects of good governance can be seen on ground," he said.TheBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) found the support of not just its NDA allies butalso got a nod of approval from several opposition parties like AAP, TDP,YSRCP, BJD and BSP. While Kashmiri politicians like Mehbooba Mufti and OmarAbdullah are crying foul, Congress is leading the criticism in New Delhi. Anumber of its own senior leaders, however, have somewhat backed the decisions onJammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan, meanwhile, has panicked as usual. Despite it beingan internal matter of India - a fact recognised by most countries around theworld, Islamabad sent back Indian High Commissioner Ajay Biasaria and haddialled down diplomatic ties. It has also suspended bilateral trade throughKashmir and halted Samjhauta Express service. India has told Pakistan toreconsider these decisions while also stating that Pakistan wants to present analarmist situation.

In Jammu and Kashmir, no untoward incident has been reportedand authorities are going the extra distance to ensure that people are notinconvenienced in any manner.