Srinagar, March 7 -- He said J&K is at the threshold of a new era of peace and prosperity, with a semblance of normalcy returning after over three-and-a-half decades of turmoil.

Presenting the budget in the legislative assembly here, Abdullah, who also holds the finance portfolio, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman for their support in various sectors.

Abdullah, dressed in a traditional khan suit with a blue blazer and a skull cap, started his over one-and-half-hour speech in English with the Persian couplet, "Tan Hama Daag Daag Shud - Punmba Kuja Kuja Neham." (my entire body is covered with bruises where should I apply the balm), amid thumping of benches by h...