Bhabhra (MP): “The freedom that every Indian enjoys can be felt by Kashmiris too,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Alirajpur, Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday in a strong gesture towards violence-ridden Kashmir which is battling over 30 days of curfew.
“Some people are causing a lot of harm to Kashmir – a place we give so much love to,” Modi said addressing a gathering at freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad’s birthplace in the tribal-dominated Alirajpur.
The Prime Minister wished that every Kashmiri youth would have a bright future.
Modi appealed for peace and harmony, and asked the youth to keep Kashmir as "heaven" on earth. He appealed to “those holding guns in Kashmir” to give it up and take up ploughs to turn Kashmir green for the benefit of its people.
Modi deplored the actions of some misguided youth in Kashmir, saying, "Boys who should be holding laptops, bats and balls in their hands and dreams in their hearts are the ones carrying stones."
"We are the people who walk the path that Atal Bihari Vajpayee took when it comes to Kashmir," he claimed.
Modi thanked the Congress and the country for dealing with the situation in Kashmir in a mature way. He said through development, the Centre along with the Mehbooba Mufti government in Jammu and Kashmir was doing their best to find a solution to all problems.
Modi pledged all help for the betterment of Kashmiris. "Kashmir wants peace. Whatever Kashmiris want for betterment of their livelihood, the Centre will help. We want development for Jammu and Kashmir," he stated.
Perhaps in a veiled reference to India's unity, Modi said, "Our flag inspires the people to change the future of India. It inspires desh-bhakti in us."
Modi is the first Prime Minister to visit the birthplace of Azad, Madhya Pradesh minister Vishwas Sarang said.
Speaking at the event, Modi said, "It is my good fortune to be here. I bow my head at the birthplace of Chandrashekhar Azad. Many of us were born in a free India. But freedom fighters got the honour to sacrifice their lives for the nation."
Modi also paid rich tributes to the revolutionary leader. The PM paid floral tributes at the statue of Azad at his birthplace, known as 'Azad Kutia'.
The Prime Minister said that for those born after Independence, living for the sake of the nation was an honour.
Bhabhra town, where Modi spoke, has been rechristened Chandrashekhar Azad Nagar by the BJP government in memory of the revolutionary leader.
The Prime Minister, accompanied by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, also visited an exhibition based on Azad's life.
Later in the day, Modi will launch a campaign '70, Azaadi Yaad Karo Qurbani' on the occasion at Jothrada, about 7 km from Bhabhra, and address a meeting.
Earlier, the Chouhan welcomed Modi at Indore airport on his arrival from Delhi.
Then Modi, along with Chouhan, went to Bhabhra in an IAF helicopter where he was welcomed by state BJP president Nandkumar Singh Chauhan, Women and Child Development Minister Archana Chitnis and Minister of State for Cooperatives (Independent Charge) Vishwas Sarang, among others.
