SRINAGAR, Nov 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced $12 billion in financial assistance to Indian-administered Kashmir, more than a year after deadly floods devastated parts of the disputed Himalayan region.
Speaking in the main city of Srinagar amid intense security, the Hindu nationalist leader said he wished to take India's only Muslim-majority state back to its "former glory".
Modi stressed the need to create jobs for young people, boost tourism and infrastructure, and close a gaping digital divide in the conflict-wracked region, where many do not have access to the Internet.
"To fulfil these dreams, the Indian government is announcing an 80,000 crore rupee ($12.1 billion) package to Jammu and Kashmir," Modi told a cheering crowd at a public rally in Srinagar, as authorities imposed a curfew for the second day running. "My heart wants this money to be spent to change your fortunes, to give strength to your youth, to build a modern Kashmir," he said as some in the audience jumped up and down, waving their arms with joy.
"Not only are Delhi's funds yours, but so is its heart." ?AFP