Srinagar, Jun 10 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing unprecedented peace, rapid infrastructure development and a tourism boom under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth said on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Kashmir, Seth said the Union Territory has undergone significant transformation over the past few years and is moving steadily on the path of growth and prosperity.
“The people of Kashmir are friendly and brotherly. I have been visiting the Valley regularly for the last five years and have seen remarkable changes. Development and progress are visible across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Highlighting improvements in connectivity, the minister said major infrastructure projects have drastically reduced travel time between Jammu and Srinagar.
“There was a time when the journey from Jammu to Srinagar took 12 to 14 hours. Today, it can be completed in around four-and-a-half hours, reflecting the scale of infrastructure development in the region,” Seth said.
Describing tourism as the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, he said the Valley continues to attract visitors from across the country.
“Despite certain challenges in 2025, Kashmir received around 1.77 crore tourists. Earlier, tourist arrivals had crossed 2.66 crore. The number is expected to increase further as people from across India wish to experience the beauty and peace of Kashmir,” he said.
Seth said he met tourists from states including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Jharkhand during his visit, which, he said, reflected Kashmir’s growing appeal as a tourist destination.
The minister credited Prime Minister Modi for accelerating development in sectors such as healthcare, roads, tunnels and bridges.
“Prime Minister Modi has provided unprecedented support for Jammu and Kashmir. Today, the region is witnessing rapid development and moving forward with confidence,” he said.
On the security situation, Seth said militancy had declined significantly and assured that the government remained committed to maintaining peace and stability.
“The Government of India will ensure there is no lapse in security. Peace, development and brotherhood will continue,” he said.
Referring to Kashmir’s cricket bat industry, Seth said nearly 30 lakh bats are manufactured annually in the Valley and exported to countries including Britain, Australia and Saudi Arabia.
He also claimed that people living in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were looking towards India’s development and growth while benefiting less from developmental initiatives.
Seth said India was progressing rapidly towards becoming a five-trillion-dollar economy and was on course to emerge as the world’s third-largest economy.
Referring to the completion of 12 years of the Modi-led government at the Centre, he said the period had been marked by transparent governance and a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption.
“The era of scams has ended and a new chapter of accountability and development has begun,” he said.
The minister expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir would continue to witness peace, prosperity and development in the years ahead.(NVI)
