AMN / NEW DELHI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India will no longer be helpless in the face of terror attacks. He was speaking after inaugurating a slew of development projects at Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu this afternoon. In his address, Mr Modi said, this is a new India that will return the damage done by terrorists with interest.
He observed that the nation has now reduced the influence of terrorism and is determined to curtail it further.
He pointed out that the country has witnessed what has been the reply by Indian Army to Uri attack and what is the response to the recent Pulwama attack by the Indian Air Force.
He blamed that earlier, the government has been muted in its response to the Mumbai terror attacks.
Mr Modi charged that, after the 26/11 attacks, Indian Air Force wanted to do a surgical strike against positions of terrorists but had been dissuaded by the then Government.
He said that in contrast, the Armed Forces are being given full freedom in tackling terrorism now. Mr Modi said the support to the Armed Forces by the people of the whole nation has been extraordinary.
The Prime Minister remarked that some political parties doubt the credentials of the Armed Forces even while the whole world appreciates India. He charged that the parties are helping Pakistan by way of being critical, thereby harming India.
Mr Modi said the parties should stop weakening India just for strengthening their political prospects. He remarked that a few parties, guided by Modi-hatred, have started hating the nation.
Mr Modi noted that India is proud of Wing Commander Abinandan Varthaman, who hails from Tamil Nadu. He also said, the first women defence minister of the nation, Ms Nirmala Sitaraman is also from the state.
He lauded the performance of Integrated Coach Factory based in Chennai that has developed luxury coaches for Indian Railways.
Prime Minister Modi said, the government has ensured that the PM Kisan Samman scheme is rolled out in record 24 days of its announcement, adding 1.1 crore farmers have got their first instalment of the promised 6000 rupees per year.
He took a dig at farm loan waiver saying, the Congress party promises it just during election time, though it benefits only a few people. He said the PM Kisan Samman programme runs all through the year, providing succour to poor and marginalized farmers.
Mr Modi said, 1900 fishermen from Tamil Nadu have been freed from Srilankan detention due to diplomatic efforts by the Centre since 2014. He also pointed out to the establishment of a separate department for fisheries and distribution of satellite phones and navigation devices to fishermen groups in coordination with the Indian Space Research Organization.
Prime Minister Modi flagged off India’s second Tejas rail service between Madurai and Chennai Egmore. He commissioned three road projects and laid foundation stones for a few road projects and two railway projects.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Dr Thambidurai and many others participated in the meet.