Modi visit to Srinagar: Claiming that the people of Kashmir were now “breathing free” thanks to the abrogation of Article 370, PM Modi — on his first trip to Jammu and Kashmir since it lost its autonomous status and Statehood — pledged to “keep winning the hearts of Kashmiris”.

Addressing a jam-packed Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar on Thursday, Mr. Modi targeted the Congress and its allies —without naming the National Conference (NC) or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — over Article 370.

“Kashmir is touching new heights of progress and prosperity after the abrogation of Article 370. Locals are able to breathe free. This azadi [freedom] has come after Article 370’s removal. For decades, the Congress and its allies misled the people of J&K as well as the country about Article 370,” the Prime Minister said.

Thousands of police and paramilitary officers were mobilised before Modi’s first rally there for more than five years, held in the state’s largest city, Srinagar.

Speaking to the crowds, Modi proclaimed a new era of peace and development in the region. “It is the new Jammu and Kashmir that we have been waiting decades for,” he said.

Modi’s speech hailed an era of development after his government decided overnight to revoke article 370 in the aftermath of the 2019 elections. The statute had given the Muslim-majority state a unique form of autonomy, including its own constitution and protections over legislation, land and culture for more than 70 years.