NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the recent Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela, which drew thousands of devotees, reflected the changing face of Jammu and Kashmir and symbolised the region’s growing sense of optimism and normalcy.
In his public address, the Prime Minister, referred to the “painful past” marked by terrorism, during which many residents had given up on their aspirations and viewed violence as unavoidable. He said that this narrative has changed under his government’s leadership.
“Today, the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are dreaming again—and fulfilling those dreams,” the Prime Minister said. “They find joy in bustling markets, shopping malls, and cinema halls. This is the new spirit of the valley.”
He said people now aspire to re-establish Jammu and Kashmir as a key destination for film production and as a hub for sports and tourism. Events like the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and Eid celebrations, he added, reflect both cultural continuity and the resilience of the people.
On security, Modi said that incidents like the recent attack in Pahalgam would not derail the ongoing development. “Any obstacle threatening the dreams of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth will have to face me directly,” he said.