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| “Neighbouring country involved in proxy war, cross border terrorism” | | Modi takes on Pakistan | | Lauds jawans, officers for rendering great services
Jehangir Rashid
SRINAGAR, Aug 12: Coming down heavily on Pakistan for abetting terrorism and carrying out proxy war in the state, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi today said that the neighbouring country has lost guts and will to fight a full-fledged conventional war with India.
Addressing officers and soldiers of Indian Army and Indian Air Force at Leh, Prime Minister said that security forces have suffered losses due to the cross border terrorism in the state and not due to any conventional war. He lauded the role of security forces in maintaining peace and said that despite adverse circumstances the security forces personnel have done a commendable job.
"As on date, Pakistan has lost the will power and guts to fight a full-fledged war with India. They are resorting to different means to create trouble in the state. Our neighbouring country is carrying out a proxy war in order to demoralize our brave jawans who are discharging their duties in a professional and able manner on the border," said Modi.
The Prime Minister said that the security forces are competent and strong enough to fight the nefarious designs of Pakistan. He said the security forces have paid a heavy price for their resilience even though their family members face many difficulties back home.
Noting that terrorism and proxy war is a global problem, Modi said that all humanitarian forces of the world should unite to fight it. He said that he has already contacted some of the heads of the nation and urged them to forge a joint platform so that terrorist forces are handed over a crushing defeat.
The Prime Minister said that security forces would be equipped with modern arms and technology so that a befitting reply is given to the enemies from across the border. He said that the whole nation supports them adding that every support would be provided to the jawans so that they deliver their best.
Modi promised the troops that a National War Memorial would be built that would inspire future generations of India. He said the security forces personnel should not worry about their technological capabilities as the Government is committed to making India self-reliant in Defence manufacturing.
The Prime Minister while referring to Kargil infiltration said that the first information about the incident was given by a shepherd named Tashi Namgyal. He said the country's armed forces deployed in border areas are well-connected with the people who live there. Modi interacted with the troops and wrote in the visitor's book that peace and security are a pre-requisite for development.
The Prime Minister later on laid the foundation stone for the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar power transmission line, at Leh. This 245 km long transmission line will be built at a cost of Rs. 1788 crore. He also dedicated to the nation the 45 MW installed capacity Nimmo Bazgo hydroelectric power project on the River Indus.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said these projects will connect Ladakh, and the state of Jammu and Kashmir with the other parts of the country through energy. Addressing the large number of people gathered at the venue, the Prime Minister said these timeless peaks of Ladakh would have witnessed such a mammoth gathering of people after a very long time.
Modi said that he is well-acquainted with the love, affection and strength of the people of Ladakh. He said he would return the love that the people of Ladakh have showered on him over the years, now that he has a chance to serve them as the Prime Minister. This would enable Ladakh to join the mainstream of national development.
"I have come here twice in two months-it is your love which draws me here. Prakash (energy), Paryavaran (environment) aur Paryatan (tourism) of Ladakh are strength that not just Jammu and Kashmir-the entire nation will benefit from it. Energy (prakash) from here will dispel darkness, save the environment and help attract tourism," said the Prime Minister.
Modi said that Ladakh has tremendous potential for solar energy and his Government is committed to developing a solar energy park here. He said Ladakh would soon produce all its energy needs. He said that in the past, there was an issue between the Centre and State Governments over a sum of Rs. 60 crore, for the solar project, the Prime Minister announced a waiver for this amount.
Stressing on infrastructure for the nation's development, the Prime Minister said he wants to connect all parts of the country through rail, road, telephone and power. He said his idea of development was to bring about a change in the lives of common people.
Talking of the development strategy of Himalayan states, Modi said the natural resources of this area can help build a development model for the entire country. The Government is committed to boosting tourism in all parts of the country including Jammu and Kashmir.
The Prime Minister said a series of announcements for development of Himalayan states have been made in the budget. He said a research institute for conservation of the natural and environmental resources of the Himalayas would be established. He said saffron cultivation would be given a big boost in the state. A new unit for saffron will be established in Spices Development Board for this purpose.
Saying that Pashmina is the pride of Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said a special scheme will be launched to enhance the skill of Pashmina producers and craftsmen. He said four important road projects were conceived for the state in Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure. However, these projects witnessed cost escalation, which neither the Centre nor the State was willing to bear. He announced an additional funding of Rs. 8000 crore from the Centre, for these projects.
The Prime Minister said his Government is committed to providing power and water, not just for industries, but also to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people, and help in skill development of the youth. In this context he said, there is no dearth of funds for development, but a lot of funds are lost in corruption. Therefore, he said, his Government would fight corruption with full force.
Modi while dedicating to the nation the 44 MW Chutak hydropower station at Kargil, said about 30 percent of the population of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is displaced, and his Government is committed to rehabilitate them in a planned way. He recalled his visit to the town during the 1999 Kargil war.
The Prime Minister said that gunfire was heard in those days, where now we hear the sound of people clapping. He said the people of Kargil had supported the Indian Armed Forces during the war. He said he still recalled the excitement and patriotic fervour in the town when Tiger Hill was won. Today the people here wish to join the development mainstream.
Modi said the Government of India would provide Rs. 8000 crore additional funding for road projects in the state. He said the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar transmission line would boost education and employment opportunities in Kargil. He said he wished to make Kargil one of the fastest growing districts in the country.
The Prime Minister said development is the sole solution to all problems. He said development is his Government's priority and maximum stress is being given to employment of youth. He said that there is no dearth of funds for development and he has taken up cudgels against corruption. |
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