On his first visit to Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said only a few political families had benefited from the provision that had given special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and that the people of J&K were now free from its “shackles”.

At a public rally at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, he highlighted the Centre’s development efforts in J&K over the last five years, and also said that the Congress and its allies “misled the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the name of (Article) 370”.

Speaking about Article 370, the PM said it was a shackle that the people are now free from. Since the special status was removed, there are equal opportunities and rights for everyone in J&K, he said.

Addressing the crowd, which largely consisted of government employees, Modi said he is “elated and indebted” for the love he received in Srinagar, and that he will “not leave any stone unturned to return the debt of this love”. He also said he is working hard to win the hearts of the people of J&K, and added that he believes he is on the right path.