PM Modi says delimitation has to happen at quick pace so that polls can be held in J&K

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the delimitation has to happen at a quick pace so that polls can happen in Jammu and Kashmir and it gets an elected government that gives strength to its development trajectory.

Chairing a high-level meeting in New Delhi with leaders of various political parties of J&K, PM Modi stressed that government's priority is to strengthen grassroots democracy in the union territory. He told leaders that it is the people, especially the youth who have to provide political leadership to J&K, and ensure their aspirations are duly fulfilled.

PM Modi also expressed satisfaction at the progress of development projects in the union territory. Prime Minister urged all leaders to work together for the progress of the area and to realize the aspirations of youth.

PM Modi appreciated the cordial atmosphere of talks and the frank exchange of views. He described yesterday's meeting with political leaders as an important step in the ongoing efforts towards a developed and progressive J&K, where all-round growth is furthered.

During the meeting, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the delimitation exercise and peaceful elections are important milestones in restoring statehood as promised in Parliament. He also said the Jammu and Kashmir has come a long way with major boost to development along with transparency.

Around 90 percent saturation has been achieved in individual beneficiary Central Government schemes in the union territory. Several major road projects, two new AIIMS, seven new Medical Colleges are being set up. New industrial policy has been notified with 28,400 crore rupees package to accelerate industrial growth in J&K with creation of 4.5 lakh jobs.

The meeting had detailed discussion on strengthening democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. In the backdrop of establishment of three tier Panchayati Raj System with the election and constitution of Block and District Development Councils, there were detailed deliberations on how to give further fillip to the democratic process in the area.

Leaders of various Political parties shared their views on the way forward in this regard. They also expressed their commitment to the constitution and strengthening democracy.

National Conference leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, BJP leaders Ravinder Raina and Nirmal Singh, People's Conference leader Sajjad Lone and others attended the meeting.

Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha, NSA Ajit Doval, Minister of State in PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh and senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Jammu and Kashmir BJP President Ravindra Raina said, the Prime Minister has assured all the leaders that the government is committed for the development and better future of Jammu and Kashmir.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, his party demanded restoration of statehood and assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Former Chief Minister and National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah also demanded restoration of full statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.

Muzaffar Hussain Baig of PDP informed that the Prime Minister said the exercise of delimitation has to finish first, and after that the issue of statehood and other issues can be taken up. People's Conference leader Sajjad Lone said, the meeting was held in a very cordial manner.