PM: Believe in peace, but not at cost of self- respect
‘ Forces will give befitting reply to any bid to breach peace’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that while India staunchly “believes in peace” and was “committed to taking it forward”, this would “not be at the cost of compromising its self- respect and the sovereignty of our nation”. Recalling the 2016 surgical strikes, he asserted that the armed forces would give a befitting reply to any attempt to destroy the atmosphere of peace prevailing in the country.
In his monthly “Mann ki Baat” radio address, Mr Modi said Indian troops had given a befitting reply to the “audacity of a proxy war” under the “garb of terrorism”. The PM 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.”
Saying India had always been “resolutely committed to peace”, the PM said India had never eyed someone else’s territory maliciously. “This in itself was our commitment and dedication towards peace,” the PM said. His remarks came days after India called off the planned meeting of Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers in New York, citing the brutal killings of three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir. The external affairs ministry said talks in the circumstances would be futile and also cited stamps issued by Pakistan in July to “glorify” Kashmiri militant Burhan Wani as a reason for the cancellation.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that India was one of the largest contributors to various United Nations peacekeeping forces in terms of sending its personnel. “For decades, our brave soldiers wearing blue helmets have played a stellar role in ensuring the maintenance of world peace,” he said.
Mr Modi had said on Saturday that Indians celebrated the “Parakram Parv” to mark the second anniversary of the surgical strikes. “We remembered the surgical strike carried out in 2016, where our soldiers gave a befitting reply to the audacity of a proxy war under the garb of terrorism,” he said. He said such celebrations remind the youth of the glorious heritage of the Indian Army. “It also inspires us to maintain the unity and integrity of the country,” he said.
Days before Air Force Day will be celebrated on October 8 to mark its birth in 1932, Mr Modi said that our “air warriors” have proved themselves through the display of sheer might in the skies. He also recalled the IAF’s contribution in transporting men and material to Srinagar in October 1947 when Pakistani attackers had tried to capture Jammu and Kashmir. He said the IAF played a key role in the 1965, 1971 and Kargil wars, and be it in relief and rescue or disaster
Can we remember Bapu for a moment while going out for shopping? ... Can we spare a thought while purchasing anything as to who in my country will benefit by this purchase! Whose face will sport a smile! Who will be the fortunate one to get a direct or indirect benefit from your purchase! I will feel much happier if my purchase will benefit the poorest of the poor — Narendra Modi, PM
Srinagar, Sept. 30: General Officer Commanding- in-Chief ( GoC- in- C) of the Army’s Northern Command Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh visited the Kashmir Valley on Sunday to review the prevailing security situation in the wake of recent counter- militancy operations, which have led to the elimination of several terrorists, an official said. Lt. Gen. Singh also revie- wed the operational preparedness of the force in the hinterland of the valley.
“The northern Army commander arrived in the Kashmir Valley on Sunday to review the prevailing security situation in the wake of recent counter- terrorist operations which led to the elimination of many terrorists,” Srinagar- based defence spokesman Col. Rajesh Kalia said here.
Lt. Gen. Singh, accompanied by Chinar Corps Commander Lt. Gen. A. K. Bhatt, visited the hinterland formations in north and central Kashmir and was briefed by the commanders on ground about the current situation, he said.
The spokesman said the GoC- in- C of the Army’s Northern Command reviewed the operational preparedness of the force in the valley. The Army commander complimented the troops for their recent successes and commended them for their dedication to duty and professionalism.
He was appreciative of the measures and standard operating procedures instituted by the units and formations to minimise civilian causalities, Col. Kalia said.
The need to be prepared for effectively meeting emerging security challenges was reinforced, the spokesman said.
Lauding the excellent synergy among all the security forces, the commander exhorted all ranks to maintain a safe, secure and peaceful environment for the people of Kashmir, he added.
◗ The commander was appreciative of the measures and standard operating procedures instituted by the units and formations to minimise civilian causalities