Modi assures Rs 25,000 cr to J&K for development projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Leh lay the foundation stone for the ambitious Zojila tunnel, assured Rs 25,000 crore for Jammu and Kashmir for the development projects and said that these projects will have a positive impact on the people of the state.

Zojila tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh with the rest of the country.

"There is great scope for agricultural growth across the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This state can play a key role when it comes to helping further holistic healthcare," he said in his address at the foundation stone laying ceremony.

Ahead of the Prime Minister's visit, the NDA government had announced a unilateral ceasefire on security forces' operations as a goodwill gesture during the holy month of Ramzan which started yesterday. The visit of the Prime Minister has generated hope among the people in the militancy-ravaged Kashmir Valley, which has been witnessing increased violence since 2016.

Modi will later in the day inaugurate the 330-MW Kishanganga hydroelectric project, whose progress was monitored by the Prime Minister's Office. He will also inaugurate it from Sher-e-Kashmir Convention Centre, located on the picturesque Dal Lake in the city. Security around the venue has been tightened and barricades had been erected as separatists had given a call for 'Lal Chowk chalo' tomorrow.