Daijiworld Media Network - Jammu and Kashmir
Sonamarg, Jan 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday declared Kashmir as the "crown of India," emphasizing his vision for a more glorious and prosperous future for the region. His remarks came during the inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel, a significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's journey toward enhanced connectivity and development.
In his address, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the workers who labored tirelessly to construct the tunnel despite harsh conditions and security threats. Referring to the loss of seven civilian workers during a terrorist attack in Gagangir, he honored their sacrifice, noting their resilience in continuing the project under challenging circumstances.
“Kashmir is India’s crown, and it is my desire to see this crown shine brighter and more gloriously. I assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that all obstacles hindering their dreams will be removed,” Modi stated. He credited the warmth and hospitality of the Kashmiri people for making the region a unique blend of beauty and resilience.
Modi reflected on his early days as a BJP worker in the region, recalling the heavy snowfall and the warmth of its people. Highlighting recent milestones, he spoke about the Jammu rail division’s inauguration, the construction of critical infrastructure, and the promise of a "Naya Kashmir" driven by connectivity, education, and tourism.
Responding to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s appeal for the restoration of statehood, Modi reassured the public of his commitment to fulfilling promises at the appropriate time. “Every promise will be honored when the time is right,” he said, adding that the Valley is on track to achieve transformative growth through ongoing road, railway, and tourism projects.
The Prime Minister lauded the peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir, noting the influx of over two crore tourists in 2024. He emphasized that improved connectivity and infrastructure are opening up unexplored destinations, making Kashmir the "paradise on earth" once again.
Modi highlighted India's broader development goals, including building a self-reliant nation by 2040. He mentioned advancements in healthcare, education, housing, and infrastructure, underlining their positive impact on Jammu and Kashmir. “From the world’s highest railway bridge to ropeways connecting iconic sites, J&K is becoming the most connected region in India,” he added.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also addressed the gathering, outlining infrastructure achievements, including the nearly completed Zojila tunnel, which will ensure year-round connectivity to Ladakh. He affirmed that the ambitious road projects would cut travel time between Delhi and Srinagar to just 7–8 hours, fulfilling Modi’s vision of bridging distances.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha commended the Prime Minister’s leadership in transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a hub of tourism and progress. “This region is no longer defined by terrorism but by tourism,” he said, adding that 99% of villages now have road connectivity, symbolizing a shift toward equitable growth and national integration.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the Prime Minister’s presence as a testament to unity and resilience against divisive forces. He praised the tunnel project for providing year-round access to Sonamarg, a development that will alleviate hardships for locals during harsh winters. Abdullah also commended Modi for ensuring peaceful and fair elections and expressed hope for the timely restoration of statehood.
The inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel marks another step in Jammu and Kashmir’s resurgence, blending connectivity, peace, and progress. The region, once marred by strife, is steadily regaining its reputation as India’s crown jewel.