Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday applauded the army for displaying its valour amid a raging debate over the surgical strikes conducted by India on terror launch pads across the Line of Control. “When I said our army does not believe in speaking, critics would say Modi is sleeping, is doing nothing,” the PM said after inaugurating a martyrs’ memorial in Bhopal.
“Our Army does not speak, but displays its valour. So does our Defence Minister,” he said in a bid to silence the opposition leaders who have claimed that Centre has been speaking about the surgical strikes to gain political mileage.
Modi also thanked the force for its contribution during the calamities in Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir floods.
Bringing up the issue of unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, he said lauded the efforts of the soldiers to minimise the casualties in the Valley. “While extending help, my soldiers did not for once think that these are the same people who pelt stones at them,” Modi said.
J&K has been tense after over 80 people have died and thousands of others have been injured in the unrest that started after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces on July 8.
Recalling the contribution of the Army in the UN peacekeeping force and evacuation missions in war-torn Yemen, he said “India is one of the biggest contributors to the UN peacekeeping forces. It was our soldiers who played a key role in rescuing people from Yemen. Those rescued were not only Indians but also from other nations.
Praising his government for implementing the long standing demand of one-rank, one-pension scheme, he said, “The government is proud to have delivered its promise. Previous governments had made empty promises on OROP but when we came to power we fulfilled our promise and implemented it.”
