Anger over Uri attack symbolises national consciousness, says PM

Excerpts from PM Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat

On Uri attack

This cowardly act has shocked the entire nation. There are strong emotions of widespread grief as well as anger across the country. And, this is not only a loss for the families who have lost a son, a brother or a husband. In fact, it is a national loss. And, therefore, I will just reiterate to you, my countrymen, what I had said that very day, that the guilty will certainly be punished.

The anger in the hearts of our countrymen is of a very high value. It symbolises our national consciousness. This anger has the resolve to do something.

During the 1965 war, Lal Bahadur Shastriji was leading us and then also similar feelings of rage, anger and patriotic fervour were sweeping the nation. Everyone wanted that something must happen, must be done. Then, Lal Bahadur Shastriji had very aptly tried to touch the emotional universe of the country. He gave the mantra — “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” — which inspired the common people of the country to work for the nation. Lal Bahadur Shastriji showed that even amidst the deafening sounds of gunfire and bombardment, there existed an alternative way for every citizen for expressing patriotism.

During the freedom movement, Mahatma Gandhi also used to mount highly successful experiments to divert the strong energy of that movement towards constructive social work, whenever a lull was needed amidst the extreme intensity in that movement. Now, if all of us, that is, our armed forces, people in the government, fulfill our respective responsibilities sincerely, and all of us countrymen, each citizen, make some constructive contribution imbued with the feeling of patriotism, our country will most definitely scale greater heights.

On Armed Forces

We have full faith in our armed forces. They will foil with their valour every such conspiracy, and they are the ones to reach the pinnacle of bravery so that we, their 1.25 billion fellow countrymen, can live peacefully and be happy. We are proud of our Army. We politicians have many opportunities to speak our mind and we do speak. But, the forces do not speak, they take action.

On Kashmir

Kashmiris are now beginning to recognise well the true face of the anti-national forces. And as they understand the truth better, they are now separating themselves from such elements and have started moving on the path of peace. Everyparentwantstheschools and colleges to be functioning properlyattheearliest.farmers alsofeelthattheirripenedcrops andfruitsshouldreachmarkets across the country. Economic activities too should be back on track. During the last few days therehasbeenamovementtowardsrestorationoftradingactivities.weallknowthatpeace, unityandharmonyaretheonly waystosolveourproblemsand alsothewaytoourprogressand development. We have to scale greaterheightsofdevelopment for the sake of our future generations. I am very sure that by sitting together we shall definitely find solutions to our problems, find ways to move ahead and also pave a better path for future generations in Kashmir.

On Security Forces in Kashmir

Providing security to people in Kashmir is the responsibility of the administration. The government has to take some steps to maintain law and order. I shall also tell the security forces that all our capabilities, power, laws, rules and regulations are basically meant to maintain law and order in order to provide a life of peace and happiness for the common people of Kashmir.

“We politicians have many opportunities to speak our mind and we do speak. But, the forces do not speak, they take action”