Srinagar, Jun 10 (KNO): Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is progressing swiftly on the path of growth and prosperity, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Wednesday said the Union Territory is witnessing unprecedented peace, rapid infrastructure development and a strong tourism boom under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking to reporters after completing his visit to the revered Dargah Hazratbal Srinagar, MoS Seth, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said he has been regularly visiting Kashmir over the past five years and has personally witnessed the transformation taking place across the Valley.
“The people of Kashmir are extremely friendly and brotherly. I have been coming here for the last five years and have seen Kashmir changing rapidly. Today, Kashmir is moving ahead in terms of development and progress in a way that many had never imagined,” he said.
Highlighting improved connectivity, the MoS Defence said travel between Jammu and Srinagar has become significantly easier due to major infrastructure projects undertaken by the Centre.
“There was a time when travelling from Jammu to Srinagar would take 12 to 14 hours. Today, the same journey can be completed in around four-and-a-half hours. This reflects the scale of infrastructure development that has taken place in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Referring to the tourism sector, Seth said tourism is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy and the region continues to attract visitors from across the country.
“Despite challenges faced in 2025, Kashmir welcomed around 1.77 crore tourists. Before that, tourist arrivals crossed 2.66 crore. I believe the number can touch nearly three crore in the coming period because people across India now want to visit Kashmir and experience its beauty and peace,” he said.
The Minister said he met tourists from several states, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Jharkhand during his visit, which reflected Kashmir’s growing appeal as a national tourist destination.
“Kashmir is amazing. The peace and development visible today are encouraging people from every corner of India to visit the Valley,” he said.
Seth credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for accelerating development in Jammu and Kashmir through investments in healthcare, roads, tunnels, bridges and other infrastructure projects.
“Prime Minister Modi has visited Jammu and Kashmir numerous times and has provided unprecedented support in sectors such as health, roads, tunnels and bridges. Today, the path of development is open and Kashmir is moving forward rapidly,” he said.
On the security situation, the Minister said terrorism has witnessed a significant decline and assured that the government remains committed to maintaining peace and stability.
“The Government of India will ensure there is no lapse in security. Peace, brotherhood and development will continue. The people need not worry,” he said.
Highlighting economic activities in the region, Seth said Kashmir’s cricket bat industry has gained international recognition. “Nearly 30 lakh cricket bats are being manufactured here and exported to countries such as Britain, Australia and Saudi Arabia. This reflects the growing economic potential of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Drawing a contrast with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK), the Minister said people there are facing hardships, while Jammu and Kashmir is moving on a path of development and prosperity.
He also praised India’s progress under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, saying the country is on track to become one of the world’s largest economies.
“India is moving rapidly towards becoming a five-trillion-dollar economy and is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy. The vision of Viksit Bharat is steadily becoming a reality,” he said.
Referring to the completion of 12 years of the PM Modi-led government, Seth said the period has been marked by transparent governance and zero tolerance towards corruption.
“Over the last 12 years, the country has witnessed transparent governance and decisive leadership. The era of scams has ended and a new chapter of accountability and development has begun,” he said.
The Minister thanked the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their support and expressed confidence that the Union Territory would continue to witness peace, prosperity and development in the years ahead—(KNO)