Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves as he leaves after addressing the nation during Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in Delhi, August 15, 2018. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi
New Delhi, August 15 (IANS) Repeating the words used last year on Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said Kashmirs problems can be resolved only by embracing its people, not with bullets or abuses.
In his speech on the 72nd Independence Day at the Red Fort here, he said his government was following the teachings of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
"Atalji called for 'insaniyat' (humanity), 'Kashmiriat' (eclectic Kashmiri culture) and 'jamhooriyat' (democracy). I also said that the issues in Kashmir can be resolved by embracing the people of Kashmir."
Modi said his government was committed for the all-round development of all sections and regions in Jammu and Kashmir, the country's only Muslim-majority state.
He said Jammu and Kashmir, now under Governor's Rule, would hold the much-awaited Panchayat and local body elections. He did not say when.
Sex crimes, rapes have to end: Modi
New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) Breaking his silence over the brutal cases of rapes in various parts of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the narrow mentality towards women has to end and justice must prevail.
"We have to free our society and country from this disgusting mentality of rape," Modi said in his Independence Day address from the the Red Fort.
"In Madhya Pradesh a rapist was hanged by a fast track court. People should know this. Rule of law is supreme and no one can take the law in their hands," he said.
