Srinagar, Aug 30: Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda today lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for decisive actions that have brought peace and stability to Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Baramulla, Gowda emphasized the drastic improvement in the security situation, crediting the current Central leadership headed by PM Modi for curbing terrorism and addressing the concerns of the common people.
“After Modi and Shah took charge, they have effectively curbed the terrorists and those who were creating problems. The common people are now happy and have finally found peace in Jammu and Kashmir,” Gowda said.
He said significant progress has been made under the BJP Government. “When Modi and Shah took over 10 years ago, they decided to take tough action against terrorists. Now, there is no major threat in Kashmir, and people are feeling safe. The situation has improved a lot,” he remarked.
“Even Mufti formed an alliance with the BJP, and Dr. Farooq Abdullah was a Minister during Vajpayee’s regime, while his son was the Chief Minister. But it is under Modi and Shah that real change has been brought about,” he said.
The former PM arrived in Baramulla by train from Nowgam in Srinagar, before proceeding towards Uri.
Gowda’s visit to Kashmir brought back memories of his tenure as Prime Minister of India.
“That was my first visit to Kashmir. For nearly 10 years before that, no Prime Minister had visited the region. All offices, including the SPG officials, advised me against going to Kashmir due to the threat to the life of the Prime Minister,” he shared.
“But I overlooked their advice and came here. I gave instructions to then Governor to allow all people, regardless of caste, to visit me. Lot of people came to meet me, voicing their grievances. They asked for loans to be waived because tourism had dried up, and they were in dire straits.”
He expressed confidence that the Government led by Prime Minister Modi would continue to address the security situation in Jammu region. “The situation has improved significantly, and I am hopeful that they will tackle any remaining problems with the same resolve,” he said.(KNS).
