Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook his inaugural official visit to Srinagar, Kashmir, marking a significant move since the revocation of the region's semi-autonomous status in 2019. Speaking at a football stadium, Modi unveiled developmental initiatives while criticizing past administrations for misleading the populace regarding the region's special privileges.

The decision to strip Kashmir of its special constitutional status and divide it into two federally controlled territories sparked mixed reactions, with Modi's government justifying it as a step towards development but drawing criticism for curtailing civil liberties.

The visit, widely viewed as part of Modi's electoral campaign, aims to signal fulfillment of a key promise to revoke Kashmir's special status, bolstering support for his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, it also underscores tensions, with security measures including heavy deployment of armed forces and checkpoints across the city.

Critics, including former Kashmiri leaders, perceive the visit as a political maneuver to sway BJP's national voter base rather than genuine outreach to address Kashmir's concerns. Despite Modi's rhetoric of prosperity, discontent simmers amidst demands for the restoration of statehood and democratic processes in the region.