Arr, the Indian Prime Minister Modi be sailin' to Kashmir to chat about buildin' some fancy new projects, mateys!
2024-03-07
Arrr mateys, the Indian Prime Minister Modi ventured to yonder city of Srinagar in Kashmir, a land plundered of its semi-autonomy in 2019. 'Twas his first visit since the takeover, a bold move indeed. Aye, mayhaps he be searchin' for buried treasure!
In the language of a 17th century pirate, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first official visit to Kashmir's main city since New Delhi stripped the disputed region of its semi-autonomy in 2019. Addressing a crowd in a soccer stadium in Srinagar, Modi announced development projects and criticized previous governments for misleading people about the region's special status. Modi and his party accused Kashmir’s pro-India parties of corruption and promoting separatism, while Kashmiri politicians called Modi divisive and anti-minority.Thousands of armed paramilitary troops and police maintained vigilance in the Kashmir Valley, where many residents favor independence or merger with Pakistan. Modi did not mention plans to hold elections or restore statehood, both demanded by Kashmir's pro-India political parties. In 2019, India revoked the region’s semi-autonomous status, leading to protests and fears of demographic changes.India has faced criticism for curbing civil liberties and dissent in Kashmir, with security measures common since the 1989 conflict between rebels and Indian forces. The region remains a point of contention between India and Pakistan, with both claiming it in its entirety.