Online Desk: The failure of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address pressing concerns in occupied Jammu and Kashmir has drawn criticism from The Telegraph, India.

The Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which has been without an elected government for six years, has only witnessed two local polls during this period. Despite this, New Delhi continues to portray an image of normalcy in Kashmir, the newspaper said in its editorial.

“Narendra Modi’s ‘Naya Kashmir’ rhetoric is beginning to sound tiresome. This is because it is embellished with oft-repeated claims that are neither consistent with the ground realities nor do they reflect the expectations of the people.”

During Modi’s visit to the Kashmir Valley, he neglected to address crucial issues such as the holding of assembly elections, despite the Indian Supreme Court setting a September deadline, The Telegraph reported. Additionally, there was no mention of a roadmap for the restoration of statehood, addressing youth unemployment, and the persistent ‘insurgency’.

Instead, Modi focused on highlighting ‘accomplishments’ such as securing people’s rights, ending dynastic politics, and promoting welfare schemes, The Telegraph noted.

“The prime minister has undoubtedly left Kashmir disappointed — almost as much as his opponents. Mr Modi’s political rivals who, incidentally, claim to be bona fide representatives of the people of Kashmir are cutting a sorry figure for themselves. The INDIA coalition seems to be imploding. The National Conference’s Omar Abdullah has refused to give any seat to its supposed foe-turned-friend, the People’s Democratic Party; Mehbooba Mufti has reciprocated by making caustic remarks about the NC’s intentions.”

Kashmir finds itself caught between competing political forces that prioritize short-term interests over the collective welfare of the region and its people, The Telegraph highlighted.