DH NEWS SERVICE
Gandhinagar, may 27
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India has made up its mind to weed out the thorn of terrorism and pursue it with full conviction.
Recalling the first terrorist attack on India in 1947, right after the Partition of India into 3 parts, Modi said one part was usurped by Pakistan harboring the terrorists, an official statement said.
He recalled Sardar Patel’s vision, emphasising that the Indian Army should not have halted until Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was reclaimed. However Patel’s advice was not heeded.
Modi stressed that this legacy of terrorism has continued for the last 75 years and the terror attacks in Pahalgam was another horrific form of it. He asserted that despite playing diplomatic games, Pakistan repeatedly faced India’s military strength in war.
He noted that on three occasions, India’s armed forces decisively defeated Pakistan, making it clear that Pakistan could not win a direct military conflict. Acknowledging Pakistan’s realisation of its limitations, he stated that the neighboring country resorted to proxy warfare.
The Prime Minister said that trained terrorists were infiltrated into India through systematic military training, aiming to target innocent and unarmed civilians, including those undertaking peaceful pilgrimages.
Highlighting India’s deep-rooted cultural values, emphasizing the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which regards the entire world as one family, the Prime Minister stated that India has upheld this tradition for centuries and continues to seek peaceful and harmonious relations with its neighbors.
He remarked that while India has always advocated for peace and stability, the repeated challenges to its strength have necessitated firm responses. Historically, what was termed proxy war has now evolved, especially after the events of May 6.
He asserted that given recent developments, referring to such acts as proxy war would be a mistake. He emphasised that nine identified terrorist bases were eliminated within 22 minutes, with full transparency ensured through camera documentation, so that no evidence could be questioned domestically.
The Prime Minister categorically stated that the recent incidents prove that this is no longer mere proxy warfare, but a deliberate and calculated military strategy of Pakistan.
He highlighted that following the May 6-7 actions, terrorist funerals were conducted in Pakistan with full honours, their coffins draped in national flags, and even saluted by the Pakistani military. These were clear indicators that these were not isolated terrorist activities but part of a structured war approach. He added that if such strategies are employed, an equally decisive response will be given.
The Prime Minister emphasised that India has always pursued progress and the welfare of all, offering assistance in times of crisis. However, he remarked that despite these efforts, the nation has often faced violent retaliation.
Addressing the younger generation, he urged them to recognise how the country has been undermined over the decades. Talking about the Indus Water treaty which was put on abeyance, the Prime Minister highlighted issues related to water resources in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing out that although dams were constructed on rivers, proper maintenance and desilting were neglected for sixty years.
He remarked that gates meant for water regulation were left unopened, leading to a drastic reduction in storage capacity—from full utilisation to merely two to three percent. He asserted that Indians must receive their rightful access to water and stated that while significant steps have yet to be taken, initial measures have begun.
Emphasising that India seeks no hostility and aspires for peace and prosperity, Modi highlighted the nation’s commitment to progress and contributing to global well-being. He stated that with firm determination, India remains dedicated to the welfare of its citizens.
