The people of Jammu and Kashmir have given their verdict. And the winner, clearly, is India’s democracy. 

Both before and during the course of the elections to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, I had stated that irrespective of which candidate or party won, the vote would be for India’s unity, integrity and democracy, it would be a vote for Kashmiriyat, and it would be a vote against Pak-sponsored terrorism and Pakistan’s anti-India propaganda. 

Our stand has been resoundingly vindicated both by people’s enthusiastic participation and by the outcome of the polls. 

Before the start of the electoral process, we had pledged that the elections would be free and fair. This promise, too, has been fulfilled. Braving the reign of terror unleashed by Pakistan-backed terrorist outfits, and disregarding the call for boycott of the polls, the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh participated in the elections in large numbers.

I send my hearty congratulations to the courageous and patriotic people of all the three regions of the state. I would also like to assure that the center would work in close cooperation with the elected representatives in Srinagar to fulfill the aspirations of the people.