Pakistan criticised Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) this Sunday, calling it “yet another ploy to project fake normalcy” and “divert attention” from the issues in the region. In response, Indian government sources told CNN-News 18 that such comments are meaningless from a “terror state” like Pakistan.
“In recent days, before PM’s visit, terror activists were increased by Pakistani handlers and all killed terrorists were Pakistanis. Kashmiris also understand that all support offered by Pakistan is only to increase terror activities,” an unnamed New Delhi official said.
On the same day as Modi’s visit, a statement by the Pakistani Foreign Office accused Indian authorities of sponsoring terrorism in the region and of conducting large-scale violations of human rights and international humanitarian laws. It also criticised India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for “relentlessly pursuing its avowed ideological mission to politically and economically disempower and dispossess the Kashmiris” while portraying itself as “a champion of development in the occupied territory.”
Furthermore, Islamabad rejected the laying of foundation stones for the construction of the Ratle and Kwar Hydroelectric Projects (HEP) on the Chenab River. It said that the construction of the Ratle plant has been disputed by Pakistan and added that India has reneged on its treaty obligation of sharing information on the Kwar plant.
It emphasised that Modi’s decision to lay the foundation stones at the project sites violates the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, which aims to provide a mechanism to address any issues between the two countries related to the Indus river system, which comprises six rivers—Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej—that pass through the disputed Kashmir region.
Pakistan further claimed that J&K locals observed a ‘black day’ to mark Modi’s visit, which indicates their “rejection of India’s mischief and illegal policies.”
Meanwhile, several Pakistani media outlets reported demonstrations across Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) in the run-up to Modi’s visit to J&K. In Muzaffarabad, demonstrators chanted anti-India slogans, held up black flags, and called for the region’s independence.
In various districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, protests and rallies are being held today against visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to IIOJKhttps://t.co/Kjzh7cz8EC
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) April 24, 2022
Protests were also held outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, with demonstrators voicing their anger against human rights abuses by Indian forces in the region. Similarly, anti-India protests were held outside the Indian consulate in Birmingham as well.
Modi’s visit to Palli in J&K marked his first visit to the region since the abrogation of its special status in August 2019. During his time in the conflict-prone region, he launched development initiatives worth Rs 20,000 crore ($2.6 billion), including connectivity and power-related projects.
Today’s meeting with political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir is an important step in the ongoing efforts towards a developed and progressive J&K, where all-round growth is furthered. pic.twitter.com/SjwvSv3HIp
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 24, 2021
The Indian PM also inaugurated the Banihal Qazigund Road Tunny, the road packages of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, and the Ratle and Kwar Hydroelectric projects. “Distances, whether of hearts, languages, customs or of resources, their elimination is our very big priority today,” he declared while laying the foundation stones for the initiatives.
New Age Infrastructure For New Jammu & Kashmir!
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) April 23, 2022
Prime Minister @NarendraModi Ji to inaugurate Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel in J&K, tomorrow.
📖 https://t.co/QbqHBpSTAb pic.twitter.com/bKMVyg14cd
In addition, Modi foreshadowed the investment of Rs. 38,000 crore ($4.96 billion) into the region. According to government sources cited by The Print, a large number of these investors will be from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In fact, Modi was joined on his trip by Emirati officials and businesspeople.
A release by PM’s office described the visit as a “landmark day in the development journey of Jammu and Kashmir.” Modi said that the foundation stones laid on Sunday would help “provide employment to a large number of youths” in the region. He also announced the launch of the Jan Aushadhi Kendra, an initiative to give “poor and middle class families” access to “affordable medicines and surgical items.”
The works being inaugurated include the Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel which is a landmark infra project aimed at ensuring all weather connectivity between the Jammu and Kashmir regions. Jan Aushadi Kendras spread across J&K will also be inaugurated.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 23, 2022
Aside from the path forward, Modi celebrated the constitutional reforms introduced in J&K in August 2019, saying the abrogation of Article 370 has allowed the government to initiate “wide ranging reforms to substantially improve governance and enhance ease of living for the people of the region at an unprecedented pace.”
He said these changes have allowed the people of J&K to be included in all central government schemes, referencing how they have benefited from schemes for Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), toilets, electricity, land rights, and water connections. In addition, he said that the application of 175 central government laws to the region has significantly benefitted women and other vulnerable and underprivileged sections of society.
A historic day for Jammu and Kashmir!
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) April 24, 2022
On the occasion of Panchayati Raj Diwas, PM Shri @narendramodi ji inaugurated developmental projects worth more than Rs 20,000 crore for Jammu and Kashmir. J&K is indeed witnessing fast-paced development after the abrogation of Article 370.
The PM also noted that all houses in the Palli Panchayat now have access to solar energy, noting that the village is on its way to becoming “first carbon neutral Panchayat in the country.”
In fact, Modi’s visit coincided with National Panchayati Raj day, which celebrates grassroots democracy. To this end, he said that it is critical for the government to “deepen” the role of the panchayats in “planning and implementation” of every development project in the village. “With this, Panchayats will emerge as an important link in the achievement of national resolutions,” he claimed. In addition, he stressed the importance of “transparency and empowerment” of Gram Panchayats and advocated for increasing the role of women in “village governance.”
Panchayati Raj institutions strengthen the spirit of democracy. Addressing Gram Sabhas across the country from Jammu & Kashmir. https://t.co/dMWlbBU92x
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 24, 2022
Modi’s Sunday address primarily focussed on infrastructure development but was largely silent on controversial issues of militancy and clashes between residents and the army in J&K.
For instance, just two days prior to his visit, militants critically injured two migrant workers as part of wider attacks on labourers from outside J&K. Furthermore, last Thursday, seven militants and a soldier were killed in two separate clashes.