India’s Zero-Tolerance Policy on Terrorism Reflected in Surgical Strikes: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the 2016 surgical strikes were India's decisive response to the pain caused by terrorist attacks and presented a bold example of the country's counter-terrorism policy.

Addressing his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi said India follows a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and has made it clear that terror attacks will invite a strong and decisive response.

He recalled that on September 28-29, 2016, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC), days after a terror attack on an Army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir.

"The surgical strike presented a bold new example of India's counter-terrorism policy right in front of the entire world," Modi said. He said India had endured the pain caused by terrorist attacks for a long time and described the surgical strikes as a decisive response to that agony.

"The way the brave soldiers of India crossed the LoC and took action against terrorism left the world stunned," the prime minister said.

Modi also spoke about the ongoing Census exercise, calling it a national responsibility and urging citizens to actively participate. He encouraged people to make use of the online enumeration facility during the exercise.

Highlighting the government's campaign against narcotics, Modi said India's youth are increasingly coming together in the fight against drugs.

Under the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan', he said young people are spreading awareness through creative campaigns and activities. Millions of youth have taken a pledge to stay away from addiction and drugs and have also undertaken to spread the message among others.

During the broadcast, Modi also paid tribute to late VHP leader Ashok Singhal on his birth anniversary. He described Singhal as a person who lived an ascetic life while remaining engaged with society.

Modi said Singhal's contribution and direction to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement helped shape the movement whose outcome is visible in the grand temple at Ayodhya.