NEW DELHI, Sept 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday recalled the 2016 surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army across the Line of Control (LoC), saying India has demonstrated its resolve to respond firmly to terrorism.
Speaking during his monthly Mann Ki Baat programme, Modi said the surgical strikes of September 28-29, 2016, marked a significant moment in India’s counter-terrorism response.
“Ten years ago, on September 28–29, 2016, the Indian Army conducted a surgical strike on terrorist hideouts in PoJK,” Modi said, recalling the operation in which Indian troops crossed the LoC to target terrorist launch pads.
He said the operation demonstrated India’s approach towards dealing with cross-border terrorism and described it as a decisive response to years of terrorist attacks.
The Prime Minister also referred to the Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor, saying India has repeatedly conveyed that terrorist attacks would be met with a strong response.
“Over the past decade—from the Balakot airstrike to Operation Sindoor—India has repeatedly sent a clear message: if terrorists dare to cast a hostile eye on India, they will face a befitting response,” Modi said.
The 2016 surgical strikes were carried out following the Uri terror attack and were aimed at terrorist launch pads across the LoC, according to the Indian government.
During his address, Modi also spoke about the ongoing Census, describing it as a national responsibility and urging citizens to participate in the process.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came a day before the 10th anniversary of the 2016 surgical strikes.
