Highlights | Kashmir’s youth have choice to select path of tourism or terrorism: PM Modi after inaugurating Chenani-Nashri tunnel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also address a public rally at Battal Ballian in Udhampur district of Jammu later on Sunday.
PM Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed a public meeting in Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir after inaugurating the country’s longest road tunnel, the Chenani-Nashri tunnel, in the state.
The 9.2 km-long tunnel will reduce the travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by 2 hours. It is also India’s first and the world’s sixth tunnel to have transverse ventilation system, providing fresh air to passengers.
Earlier in the day, the PM also attended Allahabad high court’s 150th year celebrations, ahead of his trip to Jammu.
The Prime Minister arrived at Bamrauli airport at 10:20am and proceeded to the Allahabad high court grounds. After attending the function, Modi flew to Jammu and Kashmir in a special aircraft from Bamrauli airport at 12:25pm.
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5:57 pm: PM says there are plans to make nine more tunnels like this in the future which won’t be mere road networks but will be“links connecting hearts”.
5:51 pm: PM says people sitting on the other side of the border can’t handle themselves. We want to show people of PoK how development will take place in Kashmir. He says we want to tell them that those who have illegally occupied their lands, how much they have destroyed them.
5:49 pm: PM says there are two roads for the youth of Kashmir- tourism or terrorism. He says for 40 years, innocent people have bled and the valley was left smeared in blood. No body has been benefitted from the bloodshed and it will never help anyone.
5:45 pm: PM says the tunnel is the fate line of Kashmir valley. He highlights that the farmers of the region can transport their vegetables, flowers and products to Delhi on time. The tunnel will guarantee and bolster tourism in the land.
5:44 pm: PM Modi says some youth are involved in pelting stones but others are busy in cutting stones (to make the tunnel) to build the future of Kashmir valley.
5:40 pm : PM says the tunnel is a long jump towards development for Jammu and Kashmir. He says the construction of tunnel will be a big news for environmentalists around the world. “We have laid down the tunnel in the Himalayas and have successfully done our task of protecting the environment,” he says.
5:35 pm: PM addresses public meeting at Udhanpur. He asks people to put on their mobile phone flash and chant “Bharat Mata ki Jai” to collectively inaugurate the tunnel.
5:25 pm: CM Mehbooba Mufti addresses public meeting, congratulates PM Modi for landslide victory in Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and thanks him for constructing the tunnel.
5:15 pm: Union ministers Jitendra Singh, Nitin Gadkari addresses rally.
5:10 pm: Prime Minister reaches Udhampur to address a public meeting.
3:50 pm: PM Modi, accompanied by Union minister Nitin Gadkari, state chief minister Mehbooba Mufti among others, inspects the facilities inside the tunnel.
3:40 pm: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Chenani-Nashri tunnel in the Jammu-Srinagar Highway. He takes a tour of the tunnel on an open jeep.
12:50pm: “I hope the dream of new India and the new generation can be successful”: Modi ends speech
12:45pm: I’m happy to say our govt has simplified laws, abolished 1200, in less than five years: PM Modi says, speaking about the benefits of digitisation.
With the aide of technology, even the judiciary’s work can be made easier. “Why shouldn’t we use video-conferencing to communicate instead of transporting prisoners to court... Even start ups can help the judiciary by creating innovative services and apps for them.”
Technology will empower the judiciary, and save money and time: Modi
12:40pm: PM praises the contribution of lawyers in the Indian freedom struggle against the British.
Watch | PM Modi speaks at Allahabad HC
12:35pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi starts his address, says law has to be fair for all. Quoting Dr Radhakrishnan, Modi says law strives to ensures justice for all, not just the rich.
PM recalls Mahatma Gandhi ‘s philosophy that every decision must benefit the weakest section of the society. Modi says Gandhi took the freedom struggle to the common man.
12:15pm: CJI Khehar addresses the audience and talks on the issue of judicial vacancies. He says, “Shortage of judges handicaps the judicial system,” adding that an impact can be made if judges work on some of their vacations.
11:34am: “We fought against emergency, therefore we are committed to independence of judiciary,” says Union law minister Prasad
11:33am: Prasad also calls for expedited appointment of judges to the Allahabad high court
11:31am: Central law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad says the justice department will launch a portal shortly to give legal aid. Asks lawyers to register so as to give legal aid to poor
11:24am: Postal department issues an envelope on the occasion to mark the court’s 150 years
11:15am: Supreme Court judge Deepak Misra releases a silver coin on occasion of sesquicentennial celebration
11am: PM Modi, Adityanath, law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, CJI Khehar on stage at the function marking Allahabad HC’s 150th year.
10:24am: PM Modi is greeted by Yogi Adityanath as he arrives in Allahabad
9:30am: A short circuit inside the tent set up for the programme. Security and fire brigade personnel bring things under control.
8:30am:
Other dignitaries who will attend the function in Allahabad include Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar, UP governor Ram Naik, Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath, chief justices and judges of other high courts.
(With inputs from agencies)