Army does not speak, it shows its prowess: PM Narendra Modi on Uri attack

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“During the 1965 war, Lal Bahadur Shastri was leading us and then too similar feelings of rage, anger and patriotic fervour were sweeping the nation. Everyone wanted that something must happen, must be done. Then, Lal Bahadur Shastri… gave the mantra ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’, which inspired the common people of the country to work for the nation. Lal Bahadur Shastri showed that even amidst the deafening sounds of gunfire and bombardment, there existed an alternative way for every citizen to express patriotism.”

Modi also reached out to the people of Kashmir who, he said, have begun to “recognise well the true face of anti-national forces. And as they understand the truth better, they are now separating themselves from such elements and have started moving on the path of peace. Every parent wants schools and colleges to function properly at the earliest. Farmers also feel that their ripened crops and fruits should reach markets across the country. Economic activities too should be back on track. During the last few days, there has been a movement towards restoration of trading activities.”

“We all know that peace, unity and harmony are the only way to solve our problems and also the way to our progress and development. We have to scale greater heights of development for the sake of our future generations. I am very sure that by sitting together, we shall definitely find solutions to our problems, find ways to move ahead and also pave a better path for future generations in Kashmir.”

“Providing security to people in Kashmir is the responsibility of the administration. The government has to take some steps to maintain law and order. I shall also tell the security forces that all our capabilities, power, laws, rules and regulations are basically meant to maintain law and order in order to provide a life of peace and happiness for the common people of Kashmir,” he said.

Addressing the BJP conclave in Kozhikode Saturday, the Prime Minister had nuanced his attack on Pakistan with strategic restraint, challenging it to go to war instead against poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and infant mortality.

On Sunday, taking the argument of restraint further, Modi referred to a letter written to him by 11-year-old Harshvardhan who gave expression to his anger over the Uri attack by pledging to study an extra three hours everyday to become a good citizen.

“A few days back, a Class XI student, Harshvardhan, put before me a different thought. He wrote that he was very disturbed after the Uri attack and felt a strong urge to do something, but was unable to find a way and decide because what could a young student like him do.” Modi said the boy found a way saying “I have taken a vow that I will put in three hours of extra study everyday. I will become an able citizen who can do something for the nation.”

Praising him, the Prime Minister said: “Bhai Harshvardhan, it is a matter of happiness for me that at such a tender age, you can think in such a healthy manner in an atmosphere of such anger. But Harshvardhan, I will also say that this anger, which is in the heart of every countryman, has great value. This is a symbol of national consciousness. This anger also shows a resolve to do something.”