Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after the meeting with leaders of the regional parties of Jammu and Kashmir, said the government’s priority is to strengthen grassroots democracy in the region. He termed today’s meet as an “important step” in the ongoing efforts towards a developed and progressive Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our democracy’s biggest strength is the ability to sit across a table and exchange views. I told the leaders of J&K that it is the people, specially the youth who have to provide political leadership to J&K, and ensure their aspirations are duly fulfilled,” he said after the meeting.
“Our priority is to strengthen grassroots democracy in J&K. Delimitation has to happen at a quick pace so that polls can happen and J&K gets an elected Government that gives strength to J&K’s development trajectory,” he said.
While the Jammu and Kashmir leaders, who were present at the meeting, expressed hopes for restoration of statehood as they also appealed to the Centre to undertake measures that would help build trust among the people. Here’s how that leaders reacted following the meeting: