Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that August 5, 2019, marked a historic turning point in the nation’s journey, stating that the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A ushered in a new era of progress, integration and inclusive development for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister said the past seven years have witnessed remarkable changes across the two regions, with rapid expansion of infrastructure and greater access to opportunities in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, sports and other key sectors.

He emphasized that the full implementation of the Constitution of India has ensured equal constitutional rights for all citizens, particularly benefiting women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and other marginalized communities who, he said, had remained deprived of several constitutional protections for decades.

Highlighting the significance of the occasion, PM Modi noted that this year’s August 5 also coincides with the commemoration of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, whose vision and commitment towards national unity, he said, continue to inspire generations.

The Prime Minister stated that Dr. Mookerjee’s long-cherished vision found historic realization on August 5, 2019, describing the day as a landmark moment in strengthening India’s unity and constitutional framework.

Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to the region, PM Modi said the government remains dedicated to accelerating the development of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh while ensuring that every citizen receives equal opportunities to grow, prosper and contribute towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

He affirmed that the government’s focus will continue to remain on inclusive growth, empowerment of people and sustained development across both Union Territories.