Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar on Thursday. (Photo: AFP/PIB)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent a working Diwali on Thursday in Jammu and Kashmir, spending time with soldiers at Siachen and then visiting Srinagar, which has been devastated by the worst flood the state has seen in 100 years. He announced a Rs 745 crore relief package, but members of the ruling National Conference say that is just a fraction of the funds needed to rebuild the state.
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National Conference leader Mehboob Beg told NDTV, "A hostile winter is knocking at the door. The people of Kashmir had expected a lot from the Prime Minister, now imagine what are they getting in return. The state government asked for 45,000 crore and got only 750 crore. I don't know how to respond to this."
In response, the BJP said PM Modi's visit was aimed at providing a healing touch, as many in Kashmir felt let down by the state government. "The reason why Mr Modi had to make that outreach is that he got feedback that there is great resentment against the state government and there was absolutely no trust," said BJP spokesperson Sanjay Kaul, adding, "I am glad that the chief minister was at least graceful enough to admit that. I am surprised at what the spokesperson is saying."
PM Modi announced Rs 570 crore for rebuilding homes in Kashmir, and Rs 175 crore for six major hospitals worst affected by the floods. "India shares the grief of Jammu and Kashmir. The government stands with the people in rehabilitation efforts," he said on Thursday, also announcing that books and notebooks would be provided to thousands of schoolchildren.
PM Modi was received at the Srinagar airport by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who briefed him about the challenges of rebuilding the state.
Various political groups also called on the prime minister and raised the recent border firing from Pakistan and the damage to villages in the region. This was his fourth visit to Jammu and Kashmir since taking charge in May and the second since the floods last month.
At Siachen, the Prime Minister told jawans, "You make it possible for 125 crore Indians to celebrate Diwali happily. Your dreams and responsibilities are the responsibility of us all. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with you."
Mr Modi is the first Prime Minister to visit Siachen in 10 years. Praising thousands of soldiers posted at one of the most inhospitable places on earth, he said, "If you don't see this glacier you can't imagine under what hostile weather and circumstance our jawans are serving the motherland."
Ahead of the Prime Minister's visit, Pakistani troops fired with small arms at Indian posts in Ramgarh and Arnia sectors in violation of the 2003 ceasefire between the two countries.
Close to 300 died and more than 1.5 million people were affected by the floods in Jammu and Kashmir. Among those hoping that the Prime Minister's Diwali gesture would translate to action, is Habla Begum, who told NDTV that she had sent a letter to Mr Modi through speed post a month ago, requesting him to visit her shattered home.
The Election Commission could soon announce dates for elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The state is due for polls by November.
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