New Delhi, Jun 24 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the ongoing delimitation exercise in Jammu and Kashmir has to happen at a quick pace so that polls can happen and the Union Territory gets an elected Government that gives strength to its development trajectory.
He said the Union government's priority is to strengthen grassroots democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a series of tweets after the meeting with the mainstream political parties of Jammu and Kashmir to
discuss the future course of action for the Union Territory, the Prime Minister said, 'Our priority is to
strengthen grassroots democracy in J&K. Delimitation has to happen at a quick pace so that polls can happen and J&K gets an elected Government that gives strength to J&K's development trajectory.'
He said the country's democracy's biggest strength is the ability to sit across a table and exchange views.
'I told the leaders of J&K that it is the people, especially the youth who have to provide political leadership to J&K, and ensure their aspirations are duly fulfilled,' the Prime Minister said.
Mr Modi said today's meeting with political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir is an important step in the ongoing efforts towards a developed and progressive Jammu and Kashmir, where all-around growth is furthered.
The meeting which was held at the Prime Minister's official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg lasted over 3 hours.
The dialogue with the Kashmiri leaders is the first of its kind since August 5, 2019 when the Centre
stripped the erstwhile state of its special status and divided it into two Union Territories.
Besides the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, four former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers --Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mehbooba Mufti and other leaders of Jammu and Kashmir attended the meeting.
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