Prime Minister Narendra Modi is adressing the nation over centre's Kashmir move

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in a special broadcast on national broadcaster All India Radio today. PM Modi said the government's Kashmir decision would bring about a host of positive changes in the lives of the common man. It would mean the protection of Indian laws, industrialisation, a boost in tourism and therefore more employment opportunities, he said in his televised address to the nation days after the government's move to end the special powers of the state and bifurcating it to union territories. He also underscored Union Minister Amit Shah's assurance that Jammu and Kashmir will not be a Union territory for long.

Article 370 gave the people "nepotism, terrorism and separatism and nothing else, he said, pointing out that over the last three decades, more than "42,000 innocents have been killed" in the state.

The Prime Minister's special address comes two days after the government's decision to end special status for Jammu and Kashmir and split it into two union territories.

Earlier today, senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, who reached Srinagar to hold a meeting with party leaders, was stopped at the Srinagar airport along with Kashmir Congress chief Gulam Ahmed Mir.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has banned large gatherings in Ladakh's Kargil, Drass and Sankoo towns amid a lock down over the government's move to end the special status of the state and bifurcate it into two Union territories.

Imposing restrictions under Section 144, the district magistrate of the Kargil district said in a release that any assembly of four or more people would attract punitive action.

The restrictions came into effect at 5 am on Thursday and would remain until further notice, the release said.

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed no major incident of violence over the past three days. On Wednesday, visuals of National Security Adviser Ajit Doval chatting and sharing a meal of traditional Kashmiri Wazwan with locals in the Kashmir Valley emerged amid lockdown.

The parliament has approved a resolution abrogating special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution. It also cleared a bill to split the state into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Over 300 political leaders, including former chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, remain in custody as part of the government's measures since midnight on Sunday to avoid trouble.

Over 40,000 troops are in Jammu and Kashmir, sent over the past weeks in the government's meticulous preps for its Article 370 move.

As part of a complete communications blackout, phone services and internet connections remain suspended. Top officials are using satellite phones to communicate.

Here are the Live Updates on situation in Jammu and Kashmir:

Aug 08, 2019 20:54 (IST) PM Modi wishes the people of Kashmir for Eid

I assure the colleagues of Jammu and Kashmir that gradually the situation will become normal and their troubles will also get reduced. The festival Eid is also coming soon. Best greetings to everyone on Eid.

The government is taking care that people should not have any problem in celebrating Eid in Jammu and Kashmir. Our companions who live outside Jammu and Kashmir and want to return to their homes on Eid, the government is helping them in all possible ways

Aug 08, 2019 20:47 (IST) PM Modi's address to the Nation on Kashmir. More pointers:

It is also very natural in a democracy that some people are in favor of this decision and some have differences over it. I respect their differences as well as their objections. The central government is also responding to the debate on it. This is our democratic responsibility: PM

But I urge them to treat the national interest as paramount and help the government in giving a new direction to Jammu and Kashmir-Ladakh. Beyond who voted, who did not vote in Parliament, now we have to work together, unitedly in the interest of Jammu and Kashmir-Ladakh

I also want to tell every countryman that the concern of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, we are all concerned, we are no different from their happiness, sorrow and their suffering

Freedom from Article 370 is a fact, but the truth is that the same people are fighting the problems that are being caused by the steps taken as a precaution at this time. A handful of people who want to spoil the situation there, local people there are giving them an answer

We should also not forget that the patriotic people of Jammu and Kashmir have stood firmly against the Pakistani conspiracies to promote terrorism and separatism

I thank the companions of the security forces deployed for the security of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The people associated with the administration, state employees and the manner in which the Jammu and Kashmir Police is handling the situation is praiseworthy, your hard work has further enhanced my belief that change can happen

This decision will support the economic progress of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as well as the whole of India. When peace and prosperity will come in this important part of the world, then efforts for world peace will be strengthened

I call upon my brothers and sisters in Jammu and Kashmir, my brothers and sisters in Ladakh. Come, let us together show to the world how much the strength of the people of this region is, the courage of the people here, how much is their passion. Come, let us all together, build a new Jammu and Kashmir and new Ladakh with the new India



Aug 08, 2019 20:42 (IST) PM Modi on Ladakh

The development of the people of Ladakh, after the formation of the Union Territory, is the special responsibility of the Government of India. With the help of local representatives, development councils of Ladakh and Kargil, the central government will now get the benefit of all the development plans faster

Ladakh has the potential to become the biggest center of Spiritual Tourism, Adventure Tourism and Eco tourism. Ladakh can also become a major centre of solar power generation. Now there will be proper use of its potential and new opportunities will be created for development without discrimination

Now the innovative spirit of the youth of Ladakh will be promoted, they will get better institutions for good education, people will get good hospitals, infrastructure will be modernized more rapidly

Aug 08, 2019 20:37 (IST) PM Modi praises Kashmir's beauty, its products

Whether it is the saffron in Jammu and Kashmir or the taste of kahwa, the sweetness of apples or the succulence of apricots, Kashmiri shawls or artworks, the organic products of Ladakh or herbal medicine, it needs to be known worldwide.

Once the situation is better, movies will be shot in Jammu and Kashmir again. Not only India, people from all over the world will come to shoot there

Aug 08, 2019 20:33 (IST) "Dynastic politics" did not let Jammu and Kashmir's youth lead: PM Modi

Decades of dynastic politics did not give the youth of Jammu and Kashmir an opportunity to lead. Now my youth will lead the development of Jammu and Kashmir and take it to a new height. I would urge the youth, the sisters and daughters of the place, to take charge of the development of their own area



Aug 08, 2019 20:21 (IST) PM Modi on the priorities of the government in Kashmir:

The Safai Karamcharis Act is applicable to the sweepers in other states of the country, but the sweepers of Jammu and Kashmir were deprived of it. Strict laws are in place to prevent atrocities on Dalits in other states of the country, but this was not the case in Jammu and Kashmir

In other states of the country, the Minority Act is in force to protect the interests of minorities, but this was not the case in Jammu and Kashmir. In other states of the country, the Minimum Wages Act is in force to protect the interests of workers, but in Jammu and Kashmir it was available only on paper

Soon, the process of filling the vacant posts of central and state in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will be started. This will provide employment opportunities to the local youth. Centre's public sector units and private sector companies will also be encouraged to provide jobs

We have tried to bring a new work culture, transparency in Jammu and Kashmir administration. The result of this is that IIT, IIM, AIIMS, be it irrigation projects, power projects, or the Anti Corruption Bureau, their work has accelerated

You will be shocked to know that for decades, thousands of such siblings have lived in Jammu and Kashmir who had the right to vote in the Lok Sabha elections, but they could not vote in the assembly and local body elections. These are the people who came to India from Pakistan after Partition. Will injustice continue with these people like this? We all want the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections to be held in the coming time, a new government, a Chief Minister. I assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that you will have the opportunity to choose your representatives in a completely transparent environment with a lot of honesty

As the panchayat elections were conducted with transparency, so will the assembly elections. I would also urge the Governor of the state that the formation of the Block Development Council, which has been pending for the last two-three decades, should also be completed at the earliest

I am confident that after the removal of Article 370, when these Panchayat members get a chance to work in the new system, they will do wonders. I am confident that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will defeat separatism and move forward with new hopes

I am confident that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will achieve their goals with renewed vigour in an environment of good governance and transparency

Aug 08, 2019 20:14 (IST) WATCH LIVE: PM Modi addresses the Nation on Centre's Kashmir move



Watch LIVE📡: PM @narendramodi addresses the nation https://t.co/33mMACmu5w - PIB India (@PIB_India) August 8, 2019

Aug 08, 2019 20:03 (IST) PM Modi addresses the nation over Kashmir. Here are some pointers:

As one nation one family, you, me and the whole country has taken a historical decision.

Because of this condition, all our brothers and sisters in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh were deprived of many rights, which was a major obstacle in their development. It has now ended.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr Ambedkar, Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and crores of people's dreams have been fulfilled.



Some things get mixed in society with time in such a way that many times those things are considered permanent. It is understood that nothing will change, it will work like this

There was a similar sentiment with Article 370. There was no discussion about the loss of our brothers and sisters in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Surprisingly, if we talk to anyone, no one could even tell what was the benefit of Article 370 in the lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir

No matter which government is there in our country, it works for the good of the country by enacting a law in the Parliament. Be it the government of any party, the government of any coalition, this work goes on continuously. There is a lot of debate, contemplation and discussion while framing the law, serious aspects are put up regarding its need

The law that is made by going through this process is for the benefit of the people of the whole country. But no one can imagine that Parliament should enact such a large number of laws and they should not apply in one part of the country



Aug 08, 2019 20:00 (IST) PM Narendra Modi Adresses the Nation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the nation in a special broadcast on national broadcaster All India Radio. PM Modi's special address comes two days after the government's decision to end special status for Jammu and Kashmir and split it into two union territories.





Aug 08, 2019 16:25 (IST) BREAKING: Large gatherings banned in Ladakh's Kargil, Drass and Sankoo amid Kashmir lockdown

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has banned large gatherings in Ladakh's Kargil, Drass and Sankoo towns amid a lock down over the government's move to end the special status of the state and bifurcate it into two Union Territories.



Imposing restrictions under Section 144, the district magistrate of the Kargil district said in a release that any assembly of four or more people would attract punitive action.



The restrictions came into effect at 5 am on Thursday and would remain until further notice, the release said.



The government has also advised the education institutions of the areas to remain closed.



Aug 08, 2019 16:04 (IST) Samjhauta Express Stops At Wagah As Pak Crew Refuses To Go Further

Passengers of the Samjhauta Express coming from Pakistan's Lahore had to wait for nearly three hours at the Wagah border today as Islamabad declared it was shutting down the train service as part of its retaliatory measures against the centre's decision on Jammu and Kashmir."

Passengers of the Samjhauta Express coming from Pakistan's Lahore had to wait for nearly three hours at the Wagah border today as Islamabad declared it was shutting down the train service as part of its retaliatory measures against the centre's decision on Jammu and Kashmir."

Aug 08, 2019 15:11 (IST) Congress's Karan Singh Says Several Positives In Jammu And Kashmir Move



Congress leader Karan Singh, whose father signed the terms of Kashmir's accession in 1947, said today he did not agree with a "blanket condemnation" of the centre's decisions, which, he said, were "unusually fast and caught all of us completely by surprise". The decisions would have far-reaching implications on many levels, said Karan Singh, the last Sadr-e-Riyasat and first governor of the state." Congress leader Karan Singh, whose father signed the terms of Kashmir's accession in 1947, said today he did not agree with a "blanket condemnation" of the centre's decisions, which, he said, were "unusually fast and caught all of us completely by surprise". The decisions would have far-reaching implications on many levels, said Karan Singh, the last Sadr-e-Riyasat and first governor of the state."

Aug 08, 2019 15:10 (IST) Pakistan stops Samjhauta Express at Wagah, passengers stranded: Report





Pakistani authorities today stopped the Samjhauta Express at the Wagah border, leaving passengers stranded, news agency PTI reported. The move comes after the government's decisions on Kashmir.



Aug 08, 2019 15:05 (IST) Governor takes stock of law and order situation



Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Thursday took stock of law and order situation and provision of basic services to people. In a meeting held in Srinagar, Mr Malik reviewed arrangements for enabling people to perform Friday prayers and for celebration of Eid-ul-Azha in the coming week, a spokesman said.

The governor said mandis will be set up at different locations in the Kashmir Valley so that people can buy animals on the occasion of Eid.

Advisors to governor K Vijay Kumar and K Skandan, and Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam were present in the meeting.

Aug 08, 2019 14:07 (IST) DC Office #Srinagar has established 2 helplines 9419028242, 9419028251. Residents/Students outside state can contact. Families back home are also using these lines to reach out. - Shahid Choudhary (@listenshahid) August 8, 2019

Aug 08, 2019 12:44 (IST) Ghulam Nabi Azad and Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Gulam Ahmed Mir have been stopped at Srinagar Airport, reported news agency ANI.

Aug 08, 2019 12:01 (IST) Article 370 created wall between India and Kashmir, it will go: Amit Shah



Home Minister Amit Shah had said Article 370 was the divide between India and Kashmir, while addressing the Lok Sabha on the tectonic move to end special status for Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and to bifurcate the state into two union territories..

"Article 370 had put doubts in the mind of people that Kashmir is a part of India," the Home Minister said.

Aug 08, 2019 11:51 (IST)

Tens of thousands of security personnel drawn from paramilitary forces like CRPF, BSF, SSB and ITBP, along with Jammu and Kashmir Police, have been deployed, mainly in Kashmir Valley and Jammu province, to enforce Section 144 which prohibits gathering of more than four persons at a place.

Aug 08, 2019 11:24 (IST) Ghulam Nabi Azad May Be Sent Back From Airport: Report



Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad is travelling today to Jammu and Kashmir, which has been on a security lockdown since midnight Sunday to head off trouble over the centre's big decisions to end special status under Article 370 and to split the state into two union territories. Mr Azad, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, plans to visit Srinagar and meet with Congress leaders. Reports suggest he may be sent back from the airport because of the massive restrictions still in place.

Around 400 people have been detained across the state, as "precaution", and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah remain in custody at safehouses.

"The people of Jammu and Kashmir are sad. I am going there to be a part of their sadness, to be with them," Mr Azad told reporters. "Probably for the first time, all 22 districts have seen a curfew. Have you heard of this before?"

Aug 08, 2019 10:58 (IST) Reporting From Kashmir Without Phones, Internet, Travel Pass



When I am asked how the situation is in Kashmir, I feel like saying, let the pain stop before I can answer that. I still cannot find peace, to bring myself to talk or write about it. The situation is yet to sink in, speaking both as a Kashmiri and a reporter." When I am asked how the situation is in Kashmir, I feel like saying, let the pain stop before I can answer that. I still cannot find peace, to bring myself to talk or write about it. The situation is yet to sink in, speaking both as a Kashmiri and a reporter."

Aug 08, 2019 10:45 (IST) After opposing Article 370 move, JD(U) says new law must be abided by all



After opposing the Centre's resolution to revoke provisions of Article 370 and a bill to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir, NDA ally JD(U) on Wednesday struck a reconciliatory note and said the law that had come into force should be abided by all.

National general secretary of the Janata Dal (United), Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, said the party does not wish to engage in further ideological sparring.

Aug 08, 2019 10:40 (IST) #JammuAndKashmir | "By giving money you can take anyone with you": Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad on National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval interacting with locals in Shopian yesterday.



Live updates https://t.co/7uzuYQUecjpic.twitter.com/Bivn1F4nMt - NDTV (@ndtv) August 8, 2019

Aug 08, 2019 10:35 (IST) Tehseen Poonawalla moves Supreme Court against lockdown in J&K



Social activist Tehseen Poonawalla has filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the government's decision to allegedly impose restrictions and other regressive measures in Jammu and Kashmir.

In the petition, he has sought withdrawal of 'curfew/restrictions' including blocking of phone lines, Internet and news channels. He has also sought a direction from the apex court for the release of leaders like former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, who are under detention.

Aug 08, 2019 09:33 (IST) Ajit Doval In Kashmir: Ajit Doval Shares Meal With Locals In Kashmir As Security Lockdown Stays



National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was seen chatting with locals in the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday in visuals that emerged in the middle of a continuing lockdown to head off any backlash over the centre's decision to strip Jammu and Kashmir of special status and split it into two Union Territories." National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was seen chatting with locals in the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday in visuals that emerged in the middle of a continuing lockdown to head off any backlash over the centre's decision to strip Jammu and Kashmir of special status and split it into two Union Territories."

Aug 08, 2019 09:20 (IST) PM Modi may address nation on Centre's Kashmir decision today: Report



Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address the nation today during which he is expected to explain government's decisions on abrogating special status to Jammu and Kashmir and splitting the state into two union territories, sources have said.