NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the Red Fort ramparts to reach out to Kashmiris on the Independence Day. Describing his vision for a “new India” the Prime Minister also asserted that “violence in the name of faith” was unacceptable. “Na gaali se, na goli se, parivartan hoga gale lagaane se... (Kashmir crisis cannot be resolved through bullets or abuses, but only by embracing Kashmiris),” he said, referring to the year-long crisis. The Prime Minister said his government was committed to restoring Kashmir’s status as “heaven on earth”, stressing that progress of the State lies in drawing youngsters “into the mainstream.” However, he added, crackdown against terror would continue. “You have every right to make your voices heard in Indian democracy,” he said.
The comments were, surprisingly, welcomed by moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah. “Welcome Modi also believes ‘Goli and Gaali’ will not help resolve Kashmir. If Insaniyat (humanity) and Insaaf (justice) replace them, resolution can become a reality,” Mirwaiz tweeted.Condemning violence unleashed by cow vigilantes, for the second time in a public address, the Prime Minister stressed that “violence in the name of faith” is unacceptable. “Violence in the name of Astha is not something to be happy about, it will not be accepted in India. India is about Shanti, Ekta and Sadbhavana. Casteism and communalism will not help us.”
“Some people, due to lack of patience, end up destroying the social fabric... The poison of casteism and communalism can never benefit the country. This is the land of Gandhi and Buddha; we have to move forward taking everyone along. This is a part of our country’s culture and tradition,” he said.
In his shortest speech in the last four years, the Prime Minister also mentioned the recent deaths of children at a hospital in Gorakhpur and the lives lost in the ongoing floods. “The people of India stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those affected due to natural disasters and the great tragedy in UP, where innocent children died in hospital.” Without directly referring to Pakistan or China, Modi said national security is a priority and the country is capable of defending itself in all spheres. “India is capable of tackling any challenge in any frontier,” he said.
Here are some important points from the Prime Minister's Independence day speech:
Ambition
We will create an India where the poor owns a house and has access to electricity and water. An India, where the farmer sleeps in peace and grows his income two-fold by 2022. An India, where the young women get opportunities in every field.
East India push
We are devoting significant attention to eastern India — Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha and the Northeast. These areas have to grow
Can’t tolerate...
Corruption will not be tolerated. Everyone will be answerable. We are fighting corruption for the bright future of India
Stop this!
We will not tolerate violence in the name of faith. Before freedom, the slogan was ‘Bharat chhodo (Quit India). Today, it should be ‘Bharat Jodo’ (Bring India together)
Solidarity to...
I want to mention those women who have to suffer due to ‘Triple Talaq’- I admire their courage. We are with them in their struggles. The women of this country created a revolution against Triple Talaq
World looking up
India’s stature in the world is rising. The world is with us in fighting the menace of terror.
Some self pat
GST has shown the spirit of cooperative federalism. The nation has come together to support GST. Role of technology has helped
Embrace Kashmiri
Neither gaali (abuse), nor goli (bullet) will bring a change. The change will take place when we embrace every Kashmiri.
New attitude
We have to leave this ‘Chalta Hai’ attitude. We have to think of ‘Badal Sakta Hai’- this attitude will help us as a nation. In our nation, no one is big or small...everybody is equal.
Surprise in store
1st January 2018 will not be an ordinary day- those born in this century will start turning 18. They are Bhagya Vidhatas of our nation.