Modi wants Jammu, Kashmir people to learn from Ladakh
Leh, May 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday the people of Ladakh have set an example in human endeavour and urge for progress that must be followed by those living in Jammu and Kashmir regions.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of centenary birth celebrations of the Buddhist spiritual leader, Kashuk Bakula here, Modi said: "Despite hardships and inaccessibility, Ladakhis have set up an example in endeavouring hardships and yet continuing their march of progress and development. This example will have to be followed by the people of the valley and the Jammu region."
He said Ladakh today was a far cry from its past when it was known just for three things "totu" (pony) "sottu" (powdered corn) and "patu" (local tweed).
"Your self-confidence has taken Ladakh to great heights from those days of backwardness. I am told today that the entrepreneurship of the women of Ladakh is an example for the rest of the country.
"With a population of just a lakh and a quarter, the people of Ladakh host two lakh tourists each year."
The Prime Minister started his speech in Ladakhi language as the gathering exploded with applause.
"The region is not new to me. I have come here many times. When I worked for the party and visited Ladakh, my friends would ask me to bring some vegetables for them from Ladakh for the taste and purity of the local produce.
He said Ladakh was an example of "great legacy of brotherhood and peace" and connecting people of the country with each other was Kushak Bakula's special attribute also known in far off Mangolia.
Modi is visiting all the three regions of the state in a single day, during which, he said, he will inaugurate projects worth Rs 25,000 crore.
The work on the Zojila tunnel -- connecting Srinagar with Kargil -- is starting. The tunnel will cost Rs 7809 crore.
"Zojila is not just an infrastructure project. It is going to be technological marvel."
He said he had asked Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to ensure that the project was completed in record time.
He said the tunnel will give the region round the year connectivity with the rest of the country.
"There is no better place for solar energy development in the county than the Ladakh region. Aromatic industry is developing fast in the world. There is a shift from chemical aroma to natural aroma. This industry has a great potential here.
He promised to make a state of the art cultural centre and a digital museum for the region.
"People want a medical college here. I have taken the demand seriously and I will ask the state and the central government to explore this possibility and furnish a report on setting up a medical college.
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Himachal BJP leader files complaint seeking FIR against Rahul for 'defaming' PM
Shimla (PTI): A BJP leader in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday filed a complaint seeking registration of an FIR against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly defaming the prime minister and endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
Chief of BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha in the state Rakesh Dogra filed the application at Chhota Shimla police station here, making reference to a letter sent by BJP president J P Nadda to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge.
Reacting to a letter written by Kharge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to take action against ruling NDA members for making highly objectionable and violent statements against Rahul Gandhi, Nadda on Wednesday wrote a three-page letter to the Congress president, giving a gist of abusive and defamatory references made by Gandhi against Modi.
In the past 10 years, Gandhi abused the prime minister more than 110 times and it is a matter of regret that even the top leadership of Congress party was involved in it, Nadda had said in his letter.
In his complaint, Dogra said Nadda's letter is self-explanatory and describes the unfortunate remarks not only by Gandhi but also by the Congress under his influence.
"I urge you to investigate the matter and take appropriate legal action by registering FIR against Rahul Gandhi under relevant sections," he said.
The complaint was filed against Gandhi's defamatory statements about Modi recently which not only harmed the prime minister's reputation but also endangered sovereignty of the country, said BJP state media in-charge Karan Nanda.
