New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (July 28) said that those trying to spread hate and who obstruct development in Kashmir, would never succeed as he cited a recent government exercise to assert that power of development is stronger than the might of bullets and bombs.

In his monthly Mann ki Baat broadcast, PM Modi said that the "back to village" programme held in June in Jammu and Kashmir saw enthusiastic participation of villagers everywhere, including in very sensitive and remote villages, as government officials reached there to discuss development schemes with locals.

"It shows how keen people of Kashmir are to join mainstream development. Such programmes and people's participation show that people of Kashmir want good governance. This also proves the dictum that the power of development is stronger than the might of bullets and bombs," he said.

"It is clear that those who wish to spread hatred en route to development and pose hurdles will never succeed in their sinister plans," he added.

In his 25-minute address, PM Modi asked people to celebrate August 15 with unique preparations and find out new ways to observe Independence Day with greater participation of masses.

"You must ponder over the fact how August 15 could be celebrated as a folk-festival and also as a people's festival," he said.

Speaking of floods in different parts, he said the Centre in tandem with state governments is working at "lightning pace" to provide people relief and assistance.

"The issue of water conservation has stirred the nation," he said and lauded the Meghalaya government to frame a water policy, and the Haryana government for encouraging farmers to shift to cultivating crops that need less water.