Forgive me for lockdown, but had no choice: Modi
Will surely defeat Covid-19: PM to nation
Affirming that India was in a “war-like situation” against coronavirus but that the country would “win the battle”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologised to all Indians for the difficulties they are facing due to the three-week national lockdown from March 25, but said there was no other way as it was a “fight between life and death”.
“I apologise to all countrymen. I know you will forgive me. This decision has led to difficulties, especially for the poor. They must have wondered how I could do it. Some people must be angry. I understand. But there was no other way,” Mr Modi said in his “Mann ki Baat” radio address on Sunday. “It was necessary to take such a harsh decision. It was the only way. We must win the battle.”
Referring to the lockdowns in various countries, Mr Modi said: “The coronavirus has imprisoned the entire world… It threatens humanity.”
Cautioning those defying the lockdown, he warned: “You have to save everyone by following the lockdown. Follow the ‘lakshman rekha’. Don’t break the law. Unfortunately, some people are breaking it. They don’t understand the gravity of the situation. Don’t play with your lives.”
Mr Modi said the lockdown period was a time to “look within ourselves” and “end emotional distances” by communicating with others. “Social distance does not mean emotional distance or ending social interaction. Renew your interactions, reduce emotional distances,” he said.
The PM praised the efforts of “frontline soldiers” like doctors, nurses, health and sanitation workers in the war against coronavirus, and also saluted the courage and resilience shown by survivors who were infected but had recovered. He spoke about the challenges before nurses and recalled 2020 had been dedicated to them, in memory of Florence Nightingale, on her 200th birth anniversary.
Some people must be angry. I understand. But there was no other way. It is a fight between life and death. — Narendra Modi, Prime Minister