Peaceful Lok Sabha, Assembly polls in J&K testament of progress: President Murmu

By: Sajid Raina

New Delhi, Jan 31: Describing peaceful conduct of Parliamentary and Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir as a testament of progress, President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said that the Union Territory has seen positive shift towards development after the scrapping of Article 370.

Addressing a joint sitting of Parliament here, marking the beginning of this year’s Budget Session, President Murmu said, “Since the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir has seen a positive shift towards development. The peaceful conduct of both the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections stands as a testament to this progress, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve recognition for their contribution to this achievement.”

“There have been significant changes in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370,” she added.

Referring to Kashmir getting train connectivity, President Murmu said, “I am happy to inform you that the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project has been completed, and now the country will be connected by railway from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Under this project, the world’s highest rail bridge has been constructed over the Chenab River.”

On national security, the President said, “The government has taken historic steps to protect the country’s borders and ensure internal security.”

She also spoke about progress in the defence sector. “The government has moved from ‘Make in India’ to ‘Make for the World’ in the defense sector,” President Murmu said.

She said that in the last six months, the government has made record investments in future infrastructure. —(KNO)