Modi hails ‘path-breaking’ Kashmir move on Independence Day

New Delhi - Modi talks about Article 370, water conservation and awareness on population explosion in the country.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed on Thursday his “path-breaking” move to strip the restive region of Kashmir of its autonomy, in a tub-thumping speech marking Indian Independence Day.
Modi, in a speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi, said on Thursday that the decision was one of several “path-breaking” moves by his newly re-elected administration.
He said “fresh thinking” was needed after seven decades of failure to ensure harmony in the region.
“We do not believe in creating problems or prolonging them. In less than 70 days of the new government, Article 370 has become history. And in both houses of parliament, two-thirds of the members supported this step,” said Modi.
“Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh will become a big inspiration for India’s growth journey, comfort, progress and peace,” he said. Ladakh is the newly carved-out union territory.
“The old arrangement in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh encouraged corruption and nepotism, as well as injustice when it came to rights of women, children, (low-caste) Dalits, tribal communities,” he said.
“Their dreams get new wings,” he said.
During his speech, Modi also touched several important issues like creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post, Rs100 lakh crore on developing infrastructure, population explosion, eliminate use of plastic bags, promote digital payments, water conservation, one nation, one election and many others.
Modi’s 90-minute speech ended with the prime minister leading chants of “Jai Hind” (“Long live India”) with schoolchildren dressed in the saffron, white and green of the Indian flag, before a rendition of the national anthem.
Here are the important issues that Modi said during his speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort:

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Modi announces Rs 100 lakh crore for modern infrastructure

PM Modi: Today according to the needs of the 21st century, modern infrastructure is being set up. We have decided to invest Rs 100 lakh crore on the country's infrastructure. #IndependenceDayIndia pic.twitter.com/ivFpnGMmnv
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

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PM announces CDS post, fulfils defence's long-pending proposal

PM Modi: Our security forces are our pride. To further enhance coordination between our forces, I announce a big decision today,India will now have a Chief of Defence Staff- CDS. This is going to make the forces even more strong pic.twitter.com/sLH3wnuyrp
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

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Modi urges people to refrain from using plastic bags

PM Modi: Can we free India from single use plastic? Time for implementing this idea is now.Let a important step in this direction be made on 2nd October. #IndependenceDayIndia pic.twitter.com/Bed1My0WNp
- ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

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Take pledge to holiday in at least 15 travel destination in India, Modi's initiative to boost tourism

PM Narendra Modi: India has so much to offer. I know people travel to different countries for holidays but can we think of visiting at least 15 tourist destinations in India before 2022, when we mark 75 years of freedom pic.twitter.com/gDAf8OUZBu
- ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

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Modi talks about new policy on population control

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on #IndiaIndependenceDay: Population explosion in the country will create various problems for the coming generations. Those who follow the policy of small family also contribute to the development of the nation, it is also a form of patriotism. pic.twitter.com/i4MtqucqhK
- ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

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In less than 70 days of our new government, Article 370 was revoked: PM Modi

PM Modi: The old system in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh led to corruption, nepotism but there was injustice when it came to rights of women, children, Dalits, tribal communities.The dreams of sanitation workers were incomplete. How can we accept this? https://t.co/gpvXxPtA1q
- ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

PM Modi: We do not believe in creating problems or dragging them. In less than 70 days of our new Government, Article 370 was revoked, and in both Houses of Parliament, 2/3rd of the members supported this move. #IndiaIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/yiwlTT4cfo
- ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

PM Modi: Those who supported Article 370, India is questioning them, If this was so important then why was this Article not made permanent? After all, those people had huge mandates and could have easily removed its temporary status. #IndiaIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/Sh6UOtz5YZ
- ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

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"Every effort towards removing corruption and black money is welcomed," says Modi

PM Modi: Every effort towards removing corruption and black money is welcome. These are issues that have plagued India for 70 years. Let us always reward honesty. pic.twitter.com/qMPd9MOr3r
- ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

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Modi questioned that if they could take strong steps to abolish evils like Sati or child marriage, then why not triple talaq.

PM: Remember how scared Muslim women were, those who suffered due to practice of Triple Talaq, but we ended that. When Islamic nations can ban it then why can't we? When we can ban Sati, when we can take strong steps against female infanticide, child marriage, then why not this? pic.twitter.com/8yZaefwIK9
- ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

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Modi remembers victims of massive floods across India

PM Narendra Modi in his address to the nation on 73rd #IndiaIndependenceDay: Today, when we are marking Independence Day, many of our citizens are suffering due to floods in various parts of the country. We stand in solidarity with those who are affected by the floods. pic.twitter.com/yGCKlL1MTS
- ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

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Modi uses Independence Day speech to give 10-week report card of govt

PM Narendra Modi: The new govt has not completed even 10 weeks, but in this short span of time in every sector we have taken important steps. #Article370 and 35A being revoked is a step towards realizing the dream of Sardar Patel . #IndiaIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/Ve4RAxXBok
- ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurls the tricolour at Red Fort.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurls the tricolour at Red Fort. #IndiaIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/FOzli5INJi
- ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

PM Modi: The old system in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh led to corruption, nepotism but there was injustice when it came to rights of women, children, Dalits, tribal communities.The dreams of sanitation workers were incomplete. How can we accept this? https://t.co/gpvXxPtA1q
- ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

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Narendra Modi inspects the 'Guard of Honour' at the Red Fort.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects the Guard of Honour at the Red Fort. He will address the nation shortly. #IndependenceDayIndia pic.twitter.com/T7T6XJs2R2
- ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

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Modi paid his tributes at the Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at Rajghat earlier this morning. #IndependenceDayIndia pic.twitter.com/HWA8nGmWtq
- ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

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Delhi: Visitors, performers and jawans gather at the Red Fort ahead of #IndependenceDay celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation shortly, from here. pic.twitter.com/qQvu7mpreP
- ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

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