PM Modi breaks silence on Kashmir violence: As it happened

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived in the Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh – the birthplace of freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad – from where he formally inaugurated the fortnight-long celebrations of India`s 70th Independence Day.

Pic Courtesy: ANI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday appealed for peace in Jammu and Kashmir and said that his government was looking for developmental solutions to people's problems.

The Prime Minister made these remarks shortly after arriving in the Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh – the birthplace of freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad – from where he formally inaugurated the fortnight-long celebrations of India`s 70th Independence Day.

Here is what PM Modi said:-

-PM Modi concludes his speech.

-Our flag inspires the people to change the future of India. It inspires desh-bhakti in us: PM Modi

-Kashmir wants peace. Whatever Kashmiris want for betterment of their livelihood, the Centre will help. We want development for J&K: PM

-Whether it is the J&K Govt under Mehbooba ji or the Central Govt, we are finding a solution to all problems through development: PM

-I want to thank the nation, I want to thank Congress that we all very maturely made attempts to deal with the situation in Kashmir: PM

-Boys who should be holding laptops, bats, balls in their hands & dreams in their hearts are ones carrying stones: PM Modi

-The freedom that every Indian has also belongs to every Kashmiri. We want the same bright future for every youth in Kashmir: PM Modi

-We are the people who walk the path that Atal Bihari Vajpayee took when it comes to Kashmir: PM Modi

-Kashmir, which we give so much love to, some people there are causing it a lot of harm: PM Modi

-After 70 years of Independence, isn't it essential that all villages in India get electricity? We still have villages with no electricity: PM

-But at least we have the honour to live for the nation, even if we didn't get to die for its freedom: PM Modi

-Many of us were born in a free India. But the freedom fighters got the honour to sacrifice their lives for the nation: PM

-It is my good fortune to be here, and bow my head at the birthplace of  Chandrashekhar Azad: PM

-On 8th Aug, 75 years back, Mahatma Gandhi asked the Britishers to "Quit India": PM Modi

-PM Narendra Modi speaking in Bhabhra, Alirajpur.

The Prime Minister earlier paid homage to the freedom fighter in his native village.

Madhya Pradesh: PM Narendra Modi pays floral tribute to Chandrashekhar Azad in Alirajpur pic.twitter.com/qhb0ylsURI

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 9, 2016

MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan earlier addressed the rally and thanked the PM for his support to the state.

CM @ChouhanShivraj speaking at the launch of nationwide campaign 'Aazadi 70 Saal - Yaad Karo Kurbani' at Bhabra. pic.twitter.com/SO0SH4f7dC

— BJP (@BJP4India) August 9, 2016

Senior minister Venkaiah Naidu had earlier said all ministers "without exception" will visit the birthplaces of national icons and places associated with India`s independence movement, such as Jallianwala Bagh (Punjab), Chauri Chaura (Uttar Pradesh), Cellular Jail (Andaman islands), Sabarmati Ashram and Dandi (both in Gujarat) etc.

He said the places each minister will visit have been finalised.

The government has planned an elaborate fortnight-long programme, being called `70 Saal Azadi -- Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani` (70 years of Independence -- Let`s recall the sacrifices) to commemorate the country`s 70th Independence Day.

#Aazadi70saal

आज़ादी ७० साल, याद करो क़ुरबानी

Remembering the great leaders of Indian Freedom Strugglehttps://t.co/2xvVy0mdiJ

— PIB India (@PIB_India) August 8, 2016

Naidu said the 15-day event will showcase the plurality and diversity of India through various modes and platforms and incorporating the voices and sentiments of the people.

PM Modi to address public programs in Bhabra, MP. LIVE at https://t.co/Sfv9Z4rn3d | Dial 02245014501 to listen LIVE. pic.twitter.com/kmxEC8b1cu

— BJP LIVE (@BJPLive) August 9, 2016

He had requested all the political parties to participate in the programme.

On August 18, the Rakshabandhan day, all women Union ministers and BJP Mahila Morcha members would tie `rakhis` on the wrists of soldiers deployed in border areas and other places, he said.

Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah will visit Kakori in Uttar Pradesh where the revolutionaries looted a train carrying government money on August 9, 1925.

With IANS inputs