Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday vowed that the central government will provide Jammu and Kashmir with any help it needs for development. "Kashmir wants peace. Whatever Kashmiris want for the betterment of their livelihood, the Centre will help," he said, according to ANI.
He also expressed his grief over the involvement of the youth in the ongoing unrest in the state. "It is very painful to see that youths, who should have laptops and cricket bats, have been handed stones," he said, emphasising that the freedom that every Indian has belongs to every Kashmiri, as well. "We want the same bright future for every youth in Kashmir," he added.
The prime minister was speaking at the inauguration of the 'Azadi 70 Saal – Yaad Karo Qurbani' programme in Bhavra, Alirajpur district in Madhya Pradesh. He gave his assurance that both the Mehbooba Mufti-led Kashmir government and the Centre were trying to find a solution to all issues in the state "through development". "The entire political class is speaking in one voice on Kashmir and wants peace, and this is the country's strength," he said.
Curfew-like restrictions continue to be imposed in the state for the 32nd straight day, since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani triggered protests in Kashmir. More than 50 civilians have died in the clashes with security personnel, so far. Chief Minister Mufti has met Home Affairs Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss ways to restore normalcy in the state.
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