Free Hand to Forces
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday came down heavily on Pakistan, saying that a heavy price will be inflicted on the perpetrators of the Pulwama terror attack, which he described as a ‘‘grave mistake.’’
As he blasted the terror outfits, he said "our security forces have been given full freedom" (to hit back).
The Prime Minister also appealed to all parties to avoid making political comments at this "sensitive and emotional time" and has convened an all-party meeting on Saturday for taking a unanimous view on the future course of action.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced full support to the government, saying there will be "no other discussion for the next couple of days." Rahul said: "The entire Opposition will stand together with our jawans and the government."
The Congress leaders were responding to the PM's appeal to shun political comments, so that a message goes out that the country is united in its fight against terror.
Addressing the Opposition, PM Modi said: "Those who are criticising us, I understand their emotions. They have every right to do so. But I request all my friends that it is a sensitive and emotional time, so stay away from political comments."
"If our neighbour, which is totally isolated in the world, thinks it can destabilise India through its tactics and conspiracies, then it is making a big mistake," the Prime Minister said.
India's first semi-high speed train, the Vande Bharat Express, was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday from the New Delhi Railway Station amid sombre mood in the backdrop of the terror attack in Pulwama. Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and members of the Railway Board were present on the occasion and will be on board the train on its inaugural journey. "I am grateful to designers and engineers behind Vande Bharat Express which will take its first trip from Delhi to Varanasi today. With our sincerity and hardwork in the last 4.5 years we have tried to improve railways," the PM said.