Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, while blaming Pakistan for the Pulwama attack said that the country has become ‘‘synonym for terrorism’.
In a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in the Lethpora area of Pulwama, 49 personnel of the force were killed.
At a public function in Pandharkawada in Yavatmal district, where he launched a number of projects, Modi said, “A nation which came into existence after Partition and encourages extremist activities, and which is on the verge of bankruptcy, has now become the second name for extremism,” Modi said.
Asserting the country was in deep pain over what had happened in Pulwama, the prime minister said, “The sacrifice of the CRPF personnel martyred in Pulwama will not go in vain. Perpetrators of the crime will be punished.”
“Security forces have been given a free hand to punish the perpetrators of the crime. I appeal to the country to have patience and faith in the security forces. Our forces will decide the place, time and manner in which the perpetrators of this crime will be punished,” he said.
“All of us can feel the pain of families of the Pulwama martyrs. We understand your anger,” Modi said.
Earlier, Modi had said that those behind the Pulwama attack have ‘committed their worst mistake and will pay a heavy price.’
Addressing the militants, Modi said: “Even those who are giving them shelters are responsible and have committed their worst mistake. They have to pay a very big price.”