NEW DELHI, Sep 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the 2016 surgical strikes demonstrated India’s firm approach towards countering terrorism and described the operation as a bold example of the country’s counter-terrorism policy.
Speaking during his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi said India follows a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and has made it clear that terror attacks would be met with a strong and decisive response.
Modi recalled that on September 28-29, 2016, the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes against terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC), following the terror attack on an Army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the operation involved Indian soldiers crossing the LoC to target terrorist positions and described the action as a significant response to terrorism.
“India has made it clear that terrorism will be met with a strong and decisive response. The surgical strike presented a bold new example of India’s counter-terrorism policy,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister said India had faced the impact of terrorist attacks for a long period and described the surgical strikes as a response to that challenge.
Modi also spoke about the ongoing Census exercise, calling it a national responsibility and urging citizens to participate. He encouraged people to make use of the online enumeration facility where available.
Highlighting the campaign against drug abuse, the Prime Minister said young people across the country are participating in the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan’ and spreading awareness through various activities.
He said millions of young people had taken a pledge to stay away from drugs and were also encouraging others to join the campaign.
During the address, Modi also paid tribute to former VHP leader Ashok Singhal on his birth anniversary and recalled his contribution to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
