AGRA, June 15: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday asserted that India is a peace-loving nation but possesses the strength and determination to deal firmly with forces that threaten its security. He said the country’s armed forces have been given complete operational freedom to respond decisively to acts of terrorism.
Addressing a gathering after unveiling a statue of Maharana Pratap in Agra, Singh said, “We are people who want peace, but we also know how to permanently silence those who spread disturbance.”
Taking a swipe at previous Congress-led governments, the Defence Minister claimed that terror incidents were more frequent before 2014 and accused earlier political leadership of adopting a soft approach towards terrorism.
“Today, our armed forces have full freedom. If there is a terror attack, the terrorists must be eliminated. If crossing the border is necessary to eliminate them, that should also be done,” Singh said.
Highlighting India’s economic progress, he said the country has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing major economy and an important global manufacturing hub.
“iPhones are being manufactured in India and supplied across the world. The India that was disappointed and discouraged before 2014 is now full of hope, energy, confidence and determination,” he said, attributing the transformation to the trust of the people and the Government’s policies and intentions.
Paying tribute to Maharana Pratap, Singh said the legendary Rajput ruler’s bravery and sacrifice continue to inspire generations of Indians.
“Maharana Pratap’s valour and courage were never dependent on any government or historian. Akbar is gone, the Mughals are gone and even their descendants have faded into history. But Maharana Pratap continues to live in the hearts of every Indian,” he said.
Describing Maharana Pratap as a symbol of self-respect and national pride, Singh said the warrior king endured immense hardships but never compromised on his principles or bowed before the Mughal Empire.
“He turned the yellow soil of Haldighati red with the blood of enemies while defending his motherland,” the Defence Minister said.
Singh further remarked that Maharana Pratap’s life teaches that nothing is more important than the dignity of the nation and its people, adding that the Government has worked over the past 12 years to strengthen India’s security and global standing.
Referring to internal security challenges, he said the country has made significant progress in tackling Left-Wing Extremism.
“Ten years ago, very few people could have imagined that India would move steadily towards freedom from Naxal violence. For decades, Naxals shed the blood of innocent civilians and security personnel, hampering development, industries, roads and educational institutions in large parts of the country,” he said.
The Defence Minister said sustained efforts by security forces and developmental initiatives have helped curb extremist violence and improve conditions in affected regions.
