India

‘Surgical Strike’ Anniversary: It has now been decided that our soldiers will give a befitting reply, says Modi

File Photo.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Damodras Modi said at the monthly radio address, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, that India believes believes in peace and is committed to taking it forward, however, it cannot be “at the cost of compromising our self-respect and the sovereignty of our nation”.

During the second anniversary of the 2016 ‘surgical strikes’, Modi said, “It has now been decided that our soldiers will give a befitting reply to whosoever makes an attempt to destroy the atmosphere of peace and progress in our nation. We staunchly believe in peace, we are committed to taking it forward, but not at the cost of compromising our self-respect and the sovereignty of our nation. India has always been resolutely committed to peace.”

Events like Parakram Parv would remind the youth of the glorious heritage of the Army, the PM said. “It also inspires us to maintain the unity and integrity of the country.”

Modi said society needs to understand “the importance of human rights and inculcate them into practice”. “This is the very basis of ‘sab ka saath, sab ka vikas’ (his government’s slogan),” he said, adding that the late Atal Bihari Vajayee had said that human rights were “not an alien concept for us”.

“The NHRC has instilled widespread awareness of human rights and played an important role in preventing their misuse. In its journey of 25 years, it has created an atmosphere of hope and confidence in countrymen. For a healthy society, and for lofty democratic values, I feel it is a very hope-inspiring event,” he said.

Modi said that India is one of the largest contributors of personnel to various United Nations Peace Keeping Forces. “For decades, our brave soldiers wearing blue helmets have played a stellar role in ensuring maintenance of world peace,” he said. “We have never eyed someone else’s territory maliciously. This in itself is our commitment and dedication to peace.”

“Now the Air Force is offering the option of permanent commission to women, besides the Short Service Commission… India can proudly claim that in the Armed Forces, not only ‘man power’ but ‘woman power’ is also contributing equally. Women are already empowered and are getting armed too now,” he said.

The PM praised Navy Commander Abhilash Tomy for his courage after his boat was damaged in a storm while participating in the Golden Globe Race. He called him “a rare example of courage, determination, strength and bravery”. “A few days ago I talked to Abhilash over the telephone after he was rescued and brought safely to ground. I had met Tomy earlier too. Despite having faced such a tough situation, his grit and spirit, his determination to make another similar attempt, are an inspiration for our younger generation. I pray for Tomy’s sound health and I am sure that his courage, bravery and resolve to fight and emerge a winner will inspire our younger generation.”

Earlier, after India called off talks with Pakistan citing killing of a BSF personnel, killing of cops in Kashmir and ‘glorifying’ Burhan Wani by issuing postage stamps, Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan called the move ‘arrogant and disappointing.’

In a statement issued by the Pakistan Foreign Office said that the reasons cited by the Indian side for the decision to cancel the foreign ministers’ meeting, within 24 hours of its public confirmation, are entirely unconvincing. 

Moreover India had also said that Pakistan has issued stamps glorifying slain Hizb commander Burhan Wani.

PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday reacting to the killings of policemen said that Government of India’s ‘muscular policy’ is clearly not working in the valley.

She also added that dialogue now seems to be a ‘distant dream’.

Click to comment
To Top