Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked youth to shun violence
Declaring that India will not bow before terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked the youth who have adopted violence to join the mainstream even as he brought up Pakistani atrocities on people of Baluchistan and PoK, saying that they have thanked him for doing so.
Though Mr Modi did not make any reference to Kashmir which is witnessing violence after the killing of Hizbul Commander Burhan Wani, he accused Pakistan of glorifying terrorists and celebrating killings in India.
"From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I want to express my gratitude to some people, the people of Baluchistan, Gilgit and Pak-occupied-Kashmir for the way they whole-heartedly thanked me, the way they expressed gratitude to me, the way they conveyed their goodwill to me recently."
This is for the first time that any reference to disturbed areas in the control of Pakistan has been mentioned by any prime minister during his Independence speech.
Prime Minister Modi asked the international community to judge the behaviour of India and Pakistan in the context of terror attacks in each other's country.
"When children were killed in terror attack on a school in Peshawar, there were tears in our Parliament. Indian children were traumatised. This is the example of our humanity. But look at the other side where terrorism is glorified," Mr Modi said.
"I am telling the youth that there is time left, come back and join the mainstream. Realize your parents'
aspirations. Lead a peaceful life. The path of violence has never benefited anyone,"
Hitting out at the UPA government, he said while the previous dispensation was shrouded in allegations his government is surrounded by expectations. "When hope gives rise to expectations, it gives us energy to move faster towards good governance," he added.
The Prime Minister also gave details of various initiatives undertaken by his government to promote ease of doing business, tackle corruption, provide good healthcare to poor people and benefits to farmers