‘ Gujarat violence has upset nation’

PATEL AGITATION The PM, however, expressed satisfaction that peace was restored within a short span of time in Gujarat

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the recent incidents of violence in Gujarat sparked by the Patel community’s quota agitation had shocked the nation but lauded the people of the state for bringing the situation under control in a short span of time.

“The recent incidents of violence in Gujarat have upset the entire nation. It is but natural that whatever happens in the land of Gandhi and Sardar, the nation is shocked and pained first,” Mod said in his monthly radio programme ‘ Mann Ki Baat’.

Modi’s home state was rocked by the agitation led by 22- year old Hardik Patel, convener of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, demanding reservation for the Patel community. The agitation turned violent, claiming at least 10 lives.

Appreciating the role played by the people of Gujarat in controlling the situation, the PM said: “Gujarat is back on the road of peace.”

The PM further asserted that development alone could solve all problems.

“Peace, unity and brotherhood are the only correct ways and we have to walk shoulder to shoulder on the path of development as it is the only solution to our problems,” he said.

Earlier this week, the PM had also appealed for calm and underlined that the government was committed to the welfare of all the people.

Modi also took the opportunity to reach out to Sufi scholars in the country.

In his 20- minute address, Modi praised Sufi scholars, whom he had met recently, for effectively communicating the true form of Islam.

“The choice of their words, the way they spoke, the meaning, the generosity in Sufism, I felt nice. Perhaps, it has become the foremost need for the world to know the true picture of Islam ... I am confident that Sufi culture, which is associated with love and tolerance, will spread this message far and wide. It will benefit Islam as well as humankind,” Modi added.

The PM said he was looking forward to meeting Buddhist scholars from across the world who are congregating at Bodh Gaya to discuss global issues relating to humanity.

“I have been invited to the Buddhist conference and I consider myself fortunate. Our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had also visited Bodh Gaya,” he said.