Entire nation wants to see J&K developing
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 16: In a major policy statement on Kashmir during his fourth Independence Day Address from the ramparts of Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday declared that problem of Kashmir can’t be addressed by bullets (goli) or abuses (gaali) but the change will come by embracing all Kashmiris. He described the separatists as ‘handful’ and charged them with creating problem in Kashmir.
The Prime Minister devoted a major part of his address to Kashmir problem and terrorism as he said that India was not alone in the fight against terrorism but many countries in the world were helping it actively. He declared that there was no question of India being soft on terror or terrorists.
“Na Gaali Se, No Goli Se, Parivartan Hoga Gale Lagane Se…Samasaya Suljegi Har Kashmiri Ko Gale Lagane Se (Neither with abuses nor with bullets, the problem of Kashmir will be solved by embracing the people of Kashmir),” he said in the remarks, which were being widely seen targeting the separatists and some mainstream politicians too, who continue to criticize (abuse) the Centre’s approach on Kashmir while the inference of word (`goli) (bullets) is being drawn by the political parties as per their own interests but it was clear that the Government would go ahead with its ‘Operation All Out’ in Kashmir. At the same time, the Prime Minister has sent out a loud and clear message that the people of Kashmir are our own and they had to be embraced.
Modi also referred to progress and development of Jammu and Kashmir saying entire country wants to see the State developed.
“It was not only the Jammu and Kashmir Government but the people of the country…people of the State, who were helping in progress and development (of the State) to fulfill dreams of the people. It is responsibility of the entire country and we are committing to bring back peace and progress to Jammu and Kashmir,” Modi asserted.
Describing separatists as “handful”, the Prime Minister charged them with continue to resort to different tactics to create problem in Jammu and Kashmir. However, he announced, the Government is committed to make Kashmir a paradise on earth once again.
Referring to terrorist, the Prime Minister disclosed that many countries in the world were helping India in its “anti-militancy drive”.
“We are not alone in this fight. There are many countries in the world, who were not giving us information on terrorism, hawala operations etc. I congratulate them (the countries helping India in fight against terror),” he said.
Only a couple of days back, Dubai had deported an Al-Qaeda terrorist to India. Prior to that also, many countries have been sharing vital inputs with India on terrorists and hawala network, leading to busting of many organized networks in the country.
“This has added a new chapter in India’s history,” the Prime Minister said.
Asserting that national security is a priority for Government and there will be no soft approach towards terrorism or terrorists, Modi called upon the terrorists to surrender and join the national mainstream, which, he said, will give them new energy.
“Due to the efforts of security forces, many militants have come back and some of them have surrendered”, he pointed out and lauded security forces for dedicatedly working and protecting the borders with neighbours.
Modi announced launch of website on bravery of security force jawans on the occasion of Independence Day, which will give information on their acts of bravery, medals and all other kind of related material.
PTI adds:- Modi also asserted that India is capable of tackling any kind of security challenge, be it the sea or borders, a remark that assumes significance in view of the standoff with China in Doklam.
Attired in his trademark half-sleeve ‘kurta’, churidar pajama and Rajasthani headgear, Modi started his speech with a reference to casualties caused by natural calamities in different parts of the country and deaths of children in a State-run hospital in Gorakhpur, saying sympathies of the entire nation are with the affected families.
Modi referred to last year’s “surgical strikes on terror launchpads” across the Line of Control (LoC) and said the world has realized the mettle of India’s security forces.
He said India’s stature in the world is rising and several countries are cooperating with India in fighting the menace of terrorism.
“It is clear that security of our country is our priority. Internal security is our priority. Be it sea or borders, be it cyber or space, India is capable of tackling every security challenge,” he said amidst the standoff with China in Doklam, which he did not refer to directly.
“Our army, our bravehearts, every personnel in uniform and not only the Army, Navy, the IAF, have shown their capability and grit whenever there was a situation. Our heroes never shied away from sacrifices,” he said.
India stands for peace, unity, and harmony, he said, adding “poison” of casteism and communalism will not help the nation.
“Violence in the name of faith is not acceptable in the country,” Modi said while invoking Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Buddha.
“Bharat Jodo” (connect India) should be the slogan like “Bharat chhodo” (Quit India) was during the freedom struggle, he said.
He also referred to the issue of ‘triple talaq’, saying he paid regards to the women who had to lead a pitiable life because of it and had started a movement which has created an environment in the country against the practice.
Talking about rollout of GST on July 1, he said it was a key illustration of cooperative federalism.
He said abolition of inter-state check posts after the implementation of GST has reduced time for movement of goods by 30 per cent and saved thousands of crores of rupees.
Mentioning his resolve to curb black money, he said demonetization of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes last November had helped bring over Rs 3 lakh crore of hereto unaccounted wealth into the banking system.
He said over Rs 1.75 lakh crore has been deposited in banks post note-ban and more than 18 lakh people with disproportionate income are under government scrutiny.
“Those who have looted the nation and looted the poor are not able to sleep peacefully today,” the prime minister said, vowing to continue the crackdown on black money.
Modi also asked the countrymen to shed ‘chalta hai’ attitude and instead adopt an approach of ‘badal sakta hai’ (can change) for positive change.
Invoking Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s slogan of swaraj (self- rule), he said now their motto should be ‘suraj’ (good governance) as he underlined his vision for a ‘new India’ by 2022.
In ‘new India’, he said, “Tantra se lok nahin, lok se tantra chalega (people would be the driving force behind the establishment rather than the other way around).” He lamented that democracy has been confined to ballots.
The nation had shown its collective strength between 1942 and 1947 culminating in India’s Independence, he said, asking people to show the same resolve to create a ‘new India’ by 2022.
He emphasised that everyone is equal in the nation and together they can bring about a qualitative transformation.
Highlighting the problems in work culture, he said while the nation had the capability of sending ‘mangalyaan’ (Mars mission) in nine months, on the other hand, a rail track project had been pending for over four decades, leading to disappointment among the people over the situation.
He said his government has put the decision- making on the fast-track.
Concluding his speech, he called for a ‘new India’ where the poor would have houses and access to water and electricity; where farmers would be free from worry and would earn twice of what they earn today; youth and women would get ample opportunities to fulfil their dreams.
Also an India which will be free from terrorism, communalism, casteism, corruption and nepotism and an India which is clean and healthy, he said.
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