Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir for two days starting Thursday, marking his first visit in his third term and delivering a significant political message following the recent general election in the Union Territory.
The visit coincides with International Yoga Day celebrations, during which he will participate in a youth program.
Taking place between two key elections — the recently concluded general election and the upcoming assembly election, for which preparations are underway — the visit aims to convey a positive message both domestically and internationally.
This trip also seeks to address widespread concerns following a series of terror attacks in the Jammu region. These attacks, a backlash from terrorists after the abrogation of Article 370 and the high voter turnout in the Kashmir Valley, have raised security questions.
The Prime Minister’s presence is intended to demonstrate the government’s confidence and its long-term commitment to peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The former state, divided into two Union Territories in 2019, last held state-level elections in 2014. The alliance government of the BJP and the People’s Democratic Party collapsed in June 2018 when the BJP withdrew support.
Sources indicate that preparations for the assembly election are progressing rapidly at the Election Commission.
Another major agenda item for PM Modi’s third term is the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, expected by many to occur after the assembly election.
