In ‘Mann ki Baat’, PM speaks about coronavirus, Assam and Bihar floods
Pakistan tried to “backstab” India despite its attempts to keep friendly relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his tribute to the Armed forces on the 21st anniversary of “Kargil war” who he said won the war against the enemy perched at advantageous icy Kargil heights in Ladakh.
In his monthly radio address “Mann ki Baat”, Modi while focussing on Pakistan’s Kargil “misadventure” and brave response of Indian Army, also spoke about the coronavirus situation, Assam and Bihar floods and how efforts undertaken by people to bring a positive change.
Prime Minister began by remembering the martyrs of the Kargil war that was declared over on July 26, 1999.
“The world witnessed the valour of Indian soldiers,” he said, adding, “Friends, at that point in time, I, too, was blessed with the opportunity to go to Kargil and witness the gallantry of our jawans. That day is one of the most precious moments of my life.”
“Pakistan undertook this misadventure with sinister plans to capture India’s land and to divert its ongoing internal conflicts.
“Pakistan had the audacity of trying to occupy Indian soil and deviate attention from its own internal unrest,” he said.
“At the time, India was trying for improve relations with Pakistan. But as it is said, evil’s nature is to fight everyone without reason. People of this nature can only think of doing evil even to those who try to do them good. That’s why Pakistan backstabbed India despite India’s attempts at cordial relations,” he said.
“You can imagine, the enemy was perched high on the mountains while our forces were fighting them from below. But the high morale and true of our forces won against mountains,” he added.
“Thanks to the courage of our Armed forces, India showed great strength in Kargil,” said Modi, recalling his own visit to the area.
“Kargil Diwas” is celebrated every year, marking the day the Indian Army recaptured all the Indian posts in Ladakh’s Kargil that had been occupied by Pakistan’s army 21 years ago. India lost 500 braves in the limited conflict with Pakistan.
Speaking about coronavirus pandemic, the Prime Minister urged people to spare a thought for the frontline workers before removing their masks in public.
He said the recovery rate in the country is one of the best worldwide. “Our fatality rate is much less than in most other countries. We are able to save the lives of lakhs of people, but the threat of coronavirus is not over yet. It is spreading fast in many areas, we need to remain vigilant,” said Modi.
The Prime Minister cited the example of Balbir Kaur, sarpanch of Trewa who built a 30-bed quarantine facility that not only helped coronavirus patients but also helped in generating employment.
Giving a boost to “vocal for local” initiative, Modi said “Raksha Bandhan” is the right time to support local businesses. “The joy of celebrating festivals increases when it helps expand the business of people in our society, in our neighbourhood,” he said.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the Assam and Bihar floods. He said Governments, NDRF, State disaster management teams and self-help groups are working together to provide relief and for rescue work.
Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, also paid tributes at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the National War Memorial.
BJP president JP Nadda in his tribute said generations would remember the brave response of Indian army in adverse circumstances in Ladakh heights which were captured by the enemy.