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Modi vows to bring development in Indian-controlled Kashmir

12 August 2014 19:45 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said his government was committed to bring development in Indian-controlled Kashmir by building roads, boosting tourism, providing employment and harnessing energy, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

"There was a time when prime ministers would not visit the state for several years but I have come here twice in two months," Modi said. "Prakash (energy), paryavaran (environment) and paryatan (tourism) of Ladakh are such a strength that not just Jammu and Kashmir (Indian-controlled Kashmir) but the entire nation (India) will benefit from it."

Modi Tuesday visited Ladakh province of restive Indian- controlled Kashmir to inaugurate two hydro-power projects - 45 MW Nimoo Bazgo in Leh and 44 MW Chutak in Kargil, besides laying foundation stone of 245-km-long Leh-Srinagar power transmission line.

Modi said energy from Ladakh would dispel darkness, save the environment and help attract tourism to the province.

Modi, widely believed a hard-line Hindu nationalist, said there was no dearth of funds in India but admitted a lot of funds are lost to prevalent corruption in the country.

"My Government is committed to providing power and water, not just for industries, but also to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people, and help in skill development of the youth," Modi said.

Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit Kargil since 1999, the year India and Pakistan troops fought a small scale war. Since then, India has maintained a huge military presence in Ladakh division.

"Today when I hear the cheerful claps of people, I remember the time when the place was echoing with the noises of bombs and gunfire," Modi told a huge crowd that had gathered in Kargil town.

Local residents said streets and venue, where Modi addressed the gathering was decorated with flags from his Bharatiya Janata Party.

Indian Army Chief, Indian-controlled Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were present in Ladakh to meet Modi.