PM says Pak hit 'Insaniyat & Kashmiriyat'; in Pahalgam, hails pony ride operator Adil

CM OMAR RAKES UP STATEHOOD ISSUE

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused Pakistan of targeting "Insaniyat and Kashmiriyat" through the terror attack in Pahalgam, saying the assault was "orchestrated with the sinister intent of inciting communal riots in India and robbing the impoverished, tourism-dependent Kashmiris of their livelihood".

Addressing a huge rally here after inaugurating the first direct train service to the Kashmir Valley, a project featuring the world's highest arched railway bridge over the Chenab River and India's first cable-stayed Anji bridge, PM Modi said "our neighbouring country stands against humanity, social harmony, and economic prosperity".

"Not only that, it is also the enemy of poor people's 'rozi-roti' (bread and butter)," Modi said, as he reiterated that the April 22 Pahalgam attack was a stark example through which Pakistan "intended to incite communal violence in India and cripple the earnings of hardworking Kashmiris".

The prime minister also praised the courage of young pony ride operator Adil Hussain Shah, who Stood against terrorists but tragically lost his life in the Pahalgam terror attack while striving to support his family through honest labour.

After inaugurating the Chenab bridge, the prime minister walked on it holding the Tricolour high. He travelled in a rail engine coach to reach the spot.

Modi said Rs 46,000 crore worth of projects, which he launched, will accelerate development in Jammu and Kashmir, driving progress and prosperity.