Highlights | PM Modi asks the people of J&K to come together

Prime Minister Narendra Modi explained the government's decision to scrap Article 370 that gives a special status to Jammu and Kashmir. In his address to the nation, he urged the people of Jammu Kashmir to cooperate and showcase their ability to the world.

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Modi asks the people of Jammu and Kashmir to come together and show the world the ability and will of the region.

It is natural in a democracy that some people are in favour of this decision and some have differences over it. I also respect their differences and their objections. But I urge them to help the government in giving new direction to Jammu and Kashmir-Ladakh, keeping the interest of the country paramount: PM

Modi hails the Bravehearts of Jammu and Kashmir who fought valiantly in the face of war and terrorism.

A lot of freedom fighters have sacrificed their lives for J&K, says PM.

Modi assures people of Jammu and Kashmir that they will be able to celebrate Eid-ul-Zaha without any trouble.

I ensure that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir will get better, says PM.

Patriots in Jammu and Kashmir are standing against Pakistan's attempts to spread terrorism in the region

The culture of dynasticism did not give J&K youth the opportunity to lead for decades. Now the youth here will lead the development of Jammu and Kashmir and take it to new heights. I would urge the youth and the sisters and daughters of the area to take charge of the development of their own area: PM

People in Ladakh will get better infrastructure, better education and better hospitals.

In Ladakh, there is a well-known plant that is used as a medication for the people. If it is sold all over the world, oureconomy will boom. I will urge the people of Jammu and Kashmir to sell their products on an international level.

PM Modi: Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh have the potential to be the biggest tourist hub of the world. There was a time when Kashmir was the favorite destination of Bollywood film makers, I am confident that in future even international films will be shot there.

We will take Jammu and Kashmir to new heights.

Jammu and Kashmir will not be a Union Territory for a long time. However, Ladakh will be: PM ensures

We have tried to bring a new work culture and transparency in the administration of Jammu and Kashmir. As a result, be it IIT, IIM, AIIMS, all irrigation projects, power projects or Anti Corruption Bureau, the work of all these has been accelerated: PM

I am sure that will all these efforts, we will be able to erase terrorism from the valley.

People of Jammu and Kashmir will elect their own representatives: PM

Projects that were pending in J&K, have been fast-tracked, says PM

Since the time there is a governor rule in J&K, there has been an improvement in the state.

Very soon police officers and government officers in J&K and Ladakh will get statebenefits: PM

The government now will make sure that all the people in J&K get all the benefits that the other states are getting, says PM

Laws that were applicable in the other countries could not be enforced in J&K till now.

Future of Jammu and Kashmir is now secure: PM

We have taken a historic decision on Jammu and Kashmir: PM

Article 370 and 35A has been resulting in corruption in J&K

A new era has started in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh

The Ministry of External Affairs Ministry has already issued a statement on Islamabad's decision to downgrade diplomatic ties, saying it was intended to "present an alarming picture to the world" about the state of India-Pakistan relations.

In his speech, Modi is also likely to dismiss Pakistan's propaganda to present an "alarmist" picture about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi will address the nation at 8 PM on Thursday when he will speak about removal of special status for Jammu and Kashmir and subsequent developments.