Haldwani, September 10: BJP President Nitin Nabin on Thursday highlighted what he described as a major transformation in Jammu and Kashmir under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing the changing symbolism of Srinagar's Lal Chowk.

Addressing an Ex-Servicemen Conference in Haldwani, Nabin recalled his visit to Lal Chowk in 2011 as part of the BJP's National Integration Yatra. He said he was deeply disappointed after seeing a Pakistani flag being waved there, an experience that made him “bow his head in shame”.

Contrasting that experience with the present situation, Nabin said the Tricolour now flies proudly at Lal Chowk.

He said the change reflected what he described as a broader shift in India's approach to national security and Jammu and Kashmir since 2014. According to Nabin, the sight of the national flag at Lal Chowk has instilled a sense of pride and confidence among Indians and members of the armed forces.

Focus on Border Infrastructure

Nabin also linked the Lal Chowk reference to India's border security and infrastructure development.

Recalling his visit to the Bum La border in 2012 during a Shaheed Shradhanjali Yatra to Tawang, he said he had witnessed poor road connectivity in the border areas at the time.

He claimed that the situation improved significantly after the Modi government came to power, with paved roads reaching several border regions by 2017.

The BJP president said the government's approach was to treat settlements along the international borders as “first villages” rather than “last villages”, combining development with national security.

Highlights Defence Initiatives

Nabin also cited One Rank, One Pension, increased defence production and exports, and greater emphasis on the welfare of armed forces personnel as examples of the Modi government's initiatives.

He said these measures reflected the government's focus on strengthening national security while improving infrastructure and welfare in areas strategically important to the country.