New Delhi:
In a move that would almost negate the purpose Pakistani premier Imran Khan's meeting with US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday sought a standing ovation for the parliamentarians back home, who helped in removal of Article 370 from Kashmir. Addressing a 50,000-strong Indian-Americans at Houston's NRG Stadium, Modi said that the Kashmir move was passed with one third majority in the country's parliament and would help in the development of the state.
"India has given farewell to Article 370, which allowed terrorism and separatism to rear its head in Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said asking people to give a standing ovation for the MPs who supported the bill. And he got one with a load cheer from the audiance and a smile from Trump.
#WATCH PM Narendra Modi: Article 370 had deprived people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh of development. Terrorist and separatist elements were misusing the situation. Now after abrogation, people there have got equal rights. pic.twitter.com/mNa2d7kJkK
— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019
In a clear reference to Pakistan and its efforts to internationalise the Kashmir issue, the prime minister said that some people, who can't handle their own country are having issues with what India is doing enternally.
"Be it 9/11 in US or 26/11 in Mumbai, where are the conspirators found? Time has come for a decisive battle against terrorism and against those who promote terror. I want to stress on the fact that in this fight, President Trump is standing firmly," Modi said.
#WATCH PM Modi: Bharat apne yahan jo kar raha hai us'se kuch aise logon ko bhi dikkat ho rahi hai, jinse khud apna desh sambhal nahi raha hai...Be it 9/11 in US or 26/11 in Mumbai, where are the conspirators found? Time has come for a decisive battle against terrorism... pic.twitter.com/rof9m9Jvfk
— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019
Interestingly, Trump is scheduled to meet Imran Khan Today where the latter is likely to raise the Kashmir issue once again. But with this Houston speech, Modi has made it clear that the decision on Kashmir was taken by the country's parliament in a democratic way. A message was also given to Trump that the Indian-Americans he will need in his bid to return to power are also in the favour of the decision.
