PM Modi eyes electoral return for J&K; says 'delimitation ongoing; let there be MLAs, CM'

In a massive anuncement during his Independence Day speech on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about return of electoral process in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking about abrogation of Article 370 last year, PM Modi said that one year has been about development. Prime Minister added that delimitation process is underway in valley, and once it is done, J&K will have elections.

Prime Minister Modi said that Government of India fulfilled long-pending aspiration of people of Ladakh by bifurcating it and placing it under Centre's administration for its development. Prime Minister also added that like Sikkim is called an organic state, Ladakh has potential to become a 'carbon-neutral region'.

"It was a year of a new development journey for Jammu and Kashmir. I want to thank all Panch and Sarpanch of J&K for carrying forward developmental works in valley. delimitation process is going on under inspection of Supreme Court. After it is done, I would want that re be an election in valley, J&K should have MLAs, MPs, CM, and ministers. India is committed to take J&K forward."

WATCH HERE:

"Just as Sikkim has made its mark as an organic state, in coming days, Ladakh, coming as a carbon-neutral zone, is also working fast in this direction," PM added. 

Earlier in his speech, PM Modi also referred to Galwan clash with China and ceasefire violations by Pakistan, although he did t name any of two neighbouring countries and said that India has given befitting response to those who attacked  sovereignty of our country, wir on LOC or LAC. 

READ |  Independence Day 2020: PM Modi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted Tricolour at Red Fort

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hoisted national flag from ramparts of Red Fort as India celebrates its 74 Independence Day. On his arrival at 7:18 am in front of Lahore Gate of Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar. Prime Minister was assisted by Major Shweta Pandey in unfurling Tricolour. 

READ |  PM Modi wishes fellow citizens on occasion of 74th Independence day

Guard of Hour contingent for Prime Minister consisted of one officer and 24 men each from Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police. Guard of Hour was positioned directly in front of national flag across moat below ramparts. This year, Army being coordinating Service, Guard of Hour was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Gaurav S Yewalkar. Army Contingent in Prime Minister's Guard was commanded by Major Palvinder Grewal, Navy contingent by Lieutenant Commander K V R Reddy, while Squadron Leader Vikas Kumar led Air Force contingent and Delhi Police contingent was led by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Jitender Kumar Meena.

After inspecting Guard of Hour, Prime Minister Modi proceeded towards ramparts of Red Fort where he was greeted by Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.  GoC Delhi area conducted Prime Minister to dais on rampart to unfurl national flag.

READ | Independence Day 2020 LIVE Updates: 'Terrorism Or Expansionism, India Stood Firm,' Says PM

READ |  PM Modi salutes COVID warriors on 74th Independence Day, assures grand celebration on 75th