Surgical strikes showed India's zero-tolerance stand on terror: PM Modi
PM Modi said the 2016 surgical strikes exemplified India's zero-tolerance counter-terrorism policy, and urged public participation in the Census and anti-drug campaign.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the 2016 surgical strikes as a decisive answer to the suffering caused by terrorist attacks, calling them a striking demonstration of India's counter-terrorism approach.
In his monthly radio broadcast, Mr. Modi said the country had adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and had conveyed that such acts would draw a firm and decisive response.
Recalling the events of September 28-29, 2016, he said the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on terror hideouts across the Line of Control after militants attacked an Army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir. The manner in which Indian soldiers crossed the LoC and struck at terrorism, he said, left the world astonished.
"India has made it clear that terrorism will be met with a strong and decisive response. The surgical strike presented a bold new example of India's counter-terrorism policy right in front of the entire world," he said.
The Prime Minister said the nation had borne the pain of terrorist attacks for a long period, and the surgical strikes were its firm reply to that anguish. He reiterated that India follows a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism.
Census and anti-drug appeal
Turning to the ongoing Census exercise, Mr. Modi said it is a national responsibility in which every citizen has a role, and encouraged people to make use of the online enumeration facility.
On the fight against narcotics, he said the country's youth are uniting against drugs through the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan'. Millions of young people have taken a pledge against addiction and have also taken on the task of carrying that message to others, he said.
Tribute to Ashok Singhal
During the address, the Prime Minister paid homage to late VHP leader Ashok Singhal on his birth anniversary, saying he lived like an ascetic while remaining part of society. Mr. Modi said the direction Mr. Singhal gave to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the energy he infused into it are reflected today in the grand temple taking shape in Ayodhya.