PM Modi invokes Vajpayee, pitches for taking J&K's growth story ahead

He further said that the state is attracting students from all over the nation and this gives strength to India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today invoked the famous quote of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, 'Insaniyat, Kashmiriyat and Jamhooriat', as he pitched for taking ahead the growth story of Jammu and Kashmir.

"People of Jammu and Kashmir had enormous faith in Atal Bihari Vajpayee... Very few leaders commanded such respect... He used to say 'Insaniyat, Kashmiriyat and Jamhooriyat are key to progress of Jammu and Kashmir'. We have to take the state to new heights through these pillars," he said.

At the inauguration of Shri Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital here, the Prime Minister said former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed always thought about reducing the gap between Jammu and Srinagar.

"I was hearing Mehbooba ji. The enthusiasm with which she spoke of the future of Jammu and Kashmir and her energetic leadership... I congratulate her," he said lauding Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

"Mehbooba ji always talks about the development of Jammu and Kashmir when we meet. When such a thought is there, development is bound to happen," he said.

The Prime Minister said the state is attracting students from all over the nation and this gives strength to India.

He said the country's focus should be a holistic approach on preventive health care and wellness.

"We are hosting FIFA U-17 World Cup and this has to be an opportunity for us to celebrate sports. The world should see our 'yuva shakti' (youth power)," he said.

Modi said sanitation is the key to keep away from hospitals and illness.

"Cleanliness ensures we remain free from illness... With this hospital people will not have to go very far for treatment. And the weather here is also very good," he said.

He said the Centre and the state government are working together for the infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir.