Rishikesh: PM repeats 'ghus kar marenge…' statement on fighting terrorism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed a public gathering in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, where he reaffirmed his government's "strong stance" against terrorism. He emphasized that the "strong Modi government" is taking decisive action against terrorists, even on their home ground. "Whenever we have had a weak government in the country, our enemies have taken advantage," said Modi. "Under this strong government...atankwaadiyon ko ghar mein ghus ke mara jata hai (our forces are killing terrorists on their own turf)," he added
Why does this story matter?
A Guardian report recently alleged that Indian intelligence agencies were involved in assassinations in Pakistan since 2019. During a recent TV interview, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said if terrorists attempt to disrupt peace or carry out attacks, India will respond appropriately. He added that if terrorists flee to Pakistan, India would pursue them into the neighboring country to neutralize them. Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Singh's remarks as "provocative" and detrimental to regional peace and constructive engagement.
PM Modi defends Indian Air Force's actions in Pakistan
In 2019, after the Indian Air Force's "surgical strikes" at terror camps in Balakot, inside Pakistani territory, Modi said, "They are saying the airstrike was for electoral gains. Where there were elections when we carried out surgical strikes?" "Humara siddhant hai, hum ghar me ghus ke marenge (It is our principle to take the attack home)," Modi had said in Ahmedabad then.
PM Modi highlights infrastructure development in Uttarakhand
In addition to his remarks on terrorism, PM Modi also praised his government's initiatives to improve infrastructure in Uttarakhand. He highlighted the ongoing Rishikesh-Karanprayag railway line project and the reduction in travel distance between Delhi and Dehradun. Furthermore, he discussed the development of border villages, previously known as "last villages" under the Congress regime, and announced a 900-km-long highway project connecting Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.
India-Pakistan relations
Relations between India and Pakistan have deteriorated since a 2019 attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Kashmir's Pulwama by Pakistan-based militants that claimed the lives of 40 personnel. The relationship has deteriorated even more after New Delhi repealed Article 370 of the Constitution, which removed Jammu and Kashmir's special status and split the former state into two union territories.
