A day after the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public rally in Srinagar on Thursday.

Addressing the rally in Srinagar, PM Modi urged the people of J&K to vote in large numbers. “It’s a festival of democracy. The first phase has ended and for the first time voting has taken place without any fear of terrorism. People have come out in large numbers including young and old."

The Prime Minister also prised the territory was breaking voting records and creating a new history. “You’ve scripted this history, the people of J&K. This shows aspirations of the people of J&K are at a new height. The world is witnessing how the people of J&K are strengthening the democracy of India."

Hitting Out at the Congress, NC and PDP, PM Modi stated, “I had said three families are trying to divide J&K since they are frustrated. They want to take the chair and steal you all. They want to keep the people of J&K away from their rights and that has been their agenda."

“Our youth were away from studies outside the schools and colleges and these three families (Congress, NC and PDP) were happy by putting stones in their hands. These people have ruined the future of our children for their own benefit," PM Modi said addressing the rally.

The Prime Minister said, “Providing employment opportunities to the youth here, this is Modi’s intention, Modi’s promise. I will not let another generation of ours be destroyed at the hands of these three families. That’s why I am sincerely working towards restoring peace here. Today, schools and colleges are running smoothly throughout Jammu and Kashmir. Children have pens, books and laptops in their hands."

“Our sacred places were also not safe under them. Film shootings had stopped and cinemas were shut," PM Modi said, adding, “Once unfurling tricolour at Lal Chowk was about risking your life. Srinagar markets have now witnessed Eid and Diwali celebrations."

Highlighting the atrocities Kashmiri Pandits faced, the Prime Minister said, “The politics of three families ensured Kashmiri Pandits suffered. They were part of the suppression of Sikhs. We are erasing Dil ki aur Delhi ke duri."

“Rail is coming to connect Kashmir and Delhi. G20, car race, yoga day and all this is Kashmiryat. Kashmiryat which open heartedly welcomed all. Three three families want to bring back old time. In the last 35 years – 3000 days Kashmir was shut and now there are zero shutdown. Do you want killings again?" PM Modi said.