Modi has defended his decision to revoke Kashmir’s special status, saying the move is to ensure the idea of “one nation, one constitution”, which he said will foster growth in the troubled region.
Millions in Indian-administered Kashmir are living under curfew after the government revoked the state’s semi-autonomy.
Thousands of troops were sent to the Muslim-majority region, while telephone lines and internet connections are blocked.
Modi made the statement at the 73rd anniversary celebration of Indian independence in New Delhi.
“We don’t believe in delaying solving problems, we also don’t let problems fester,” Modi said, saying two-thirds of both houses of Indian parliament approved the plan.
Amnesty International has asked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lift the communications blackout and engage with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is a paradox that as India celebrates its 73rd independence day today, the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to be subjected to a lockdown for the past 10 days,” the rights group said in a statement.
