New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the terrorist attack in Pahalgam reflected the desperation of the patrons of terrorism and assured the families of the victims that “justice will be delivered” and that the “perpetrators and conspirators” of this attack will face the harshest possible consequences.
Addressing the 121st episode of Mann ki Baat, Prime Minister Modi said, “Today as I speak to you in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, there is a deep anguish in my heart. The terrorist incident that took place in Pahalgam on the 22nd of April has hurt every citizen of the country.”
He said the Pahalgam attack showed the desperation of the patrons of terrorism.
“This attack displayed their cowardice… at a time when peace was returning to Kashmir, there was a vibrancy in schools and colleges, construction work had gained unprecedented pace, democracy was getting stronger, the number of tourists was increasing at a record rate, people’s income was increasing, and new opportunities were being created for the youth,” the PM said.
He said that the “enemies of the country, the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir, did not like that”, and the terrorists and the masterminds of terror wanted Kashmir to be destroyed again, so they executed such a big conspiracy.”
“In this war against terrorism, the unity of the country, the solidarity of 140 crore Indians, is our biggest strength. This unity is the basis of our decisive fight against terrorism. We have to strengthen our resolve to face this challenge that has surfaced before the country. We have to demonstrate strong willpower as a nation. Today the world is watching; after this terrorist attack, the whole country is speaking in one voice,” Modi said.
He said that the whole world is standing with India, and condolences are continuously pouring in from all over the world.
“Everyone has strongly condemned this heinous terrorist attack. They have expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. The whole world stands with 140 crore Indians in our fight against terrorism. I once again assure the affected families that they will get justice, and justice will be done. The perpetrators and conspirators of this attack will be served with the harshest response,” Modi said.
While paying tribute to Dr K Kasturirangan, Modi said, “His contribution in lending newer heights to science, education and India’s space programme shall always be remembered. ISRO attained a new identity under his leadership”.
PM Modi also hailed all those who participated in ‘Operation Brahma’ that was launched to help the people of Myanmar, which was hit by a devastating earthquake.
“From Air Force aircraft to Navy ships, everything was sent to help Myanmar. The Indian team set up a field hospital there. A team of engineers helped in assessing the damage to important buildings and infrastructure. The Indian team supplied blankets, tents, sleeping bags, medicines, food items and many other things. During all of that, the Indian team also received a lot of appreciation from the people there,” he said.
UNI
