JAMMU, Aug 17: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Raman Suri said that the enthusiastic participation of schoolchildren and youth in Independence Day celebrations across Kashmir reflects a significant change in the Valley, which is increasingly moving away from stone-pelting, militancy and violence towards peace, development and prosperity. He said that, like other parts of the country, Kashmir celebrated Independence Day with great enthusiasm last Saturday, and the participation of youngsters in the celebrations was particularly encouraging.
Suri said the singing of the National Anthem along with Vande Mataram and the enthusiastic presence of people at the celebrations sent a strong message that the new generation of Kashmir has chosen patriotism and progress over violence and separatism. He said the youth today aspire for quality education, employment, startups, entrepreneurship, tourism and a better future, rather than being drawn into the cycle of conflict that has harmed the Valley for decades.
Referring to those who had once opposed the unfurling of the Tricolour and had claimed that after the abrogation of Article 370 there would be no one left to hoist the national flag, Suri said the scenes witnessed during Independence Day celebrations have provided the most fitting answer. “The Tricolour is being unfurled with pride, and our youngsters are standing up to celebrate the nation with enthusiasm. This is the Kashmir that the world must see,” he said.
Suri said the changing environment in Kashmir is a testimony to the fact that its people, particularly the younger generation, have rejected violence and chosen peace and development. He said the enthusiastic participation of children and youth in national celebrations demonstrates that they see themselves as partners in India’s growth story and want to build their future through education, innovation, entrepreneurship and hard work.
He said there is no place for violence in the aspirations of the new Kashmir and urged all stakeholders to strengthen this positive transformation by creating more opportunities for education, employment, startups and investment. “The message from Kashmir’s youth is clear that the future belongs to peace, prosperity and progress. They have chosen the Tricolour, patriotism and development, and this new spirit must be nurtured and carried forward,” Suri said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also a vision for Kashmir which these youngsters are fulfilling in letter and spirit.