Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah speaks during a public meeting for J&K Assembly elections, at Chenani, in Udhampur district, Jammu & Kashmir, on Thursday (September 26, 2024).
| Photo Credit: PTI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, addressing election rallies in Jammu on Thursday (September 26, 2024), warned of stern action against separatists and Pakistan “if they plan to disturb peaceful Kashmir”.

“Those who promote terrorism will meet the same fate as that of (Parliament attack convict) Afzal Guru,” Mr. Shah said.

On regional parties’ demand to restore Article 370, Mr. Shah said, “Even generations after Rahul (Gandhi) would not be able to restore it. Elections are being held here for the first time without Article 370 and a separate flag. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured an end to the culture of two constitutions,” he said.

He said, “Claims are being made by the NC (National Conference) and Rahul Baba about the restoration of Article 370, but even generations of Rahul won’t have the powers to restore the provisions again.”

Accusing the Congress, NC, and PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) of failing to counter terrorism, Mr. Shah said, “PM Modi ended stone throwing and bullets. But these three parties want to revive terrorism in J&K. Nobody has the power to revive terrorism in J&K.”

Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s latest statement on Statehood for Jammu & Kashmir, the Union Home Minister said, “Rahul and Omar claim to bring Statehood. I had promised restoration of Statehood soon after the elections in J&K. PM Modi too has made it clear that it will be restored. Statehood will be restored through Parliament only, and there is PM Modi’s rule,” he said.

In a separate rally on Wednesday (September 25, 2024), Mr. Adityanath asked voters to ensure the BJP’s victory to see Pakistan-occupied Kashmir becoming a part of India.

“Elections of J&K are historic in nature and the results will be a slap on the faces of NC, PDP and Congress. In 1990, these parties supported Pakistan and terrorism. Pakistan’s condition at present is horrific. The country is falling apart. Rate of one kg Atta in Pakistan costs ₹500. On the contrary, PM Modi gives 80 crore people of India free ration and ₹60 crore are getting free (medical) treatment up to ₹5 lakh, which has been enhanced up to ₹7 lakh,” Mr. Adityanath said.

He said the Amarnath Yatra faced threats once, and now devotees from across the country are coming to visit the shrine.