Longewala (Rajasthan), November 14
Delivering an unequivocal message to India’s enemies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed on Saturday that he would give a “prachand jawab” (fierce response) if provoked, while flying to Longewala Post to celebrate Diwali with soldiers, a custom that has been watching ever since. assuming office in 2014.
Addressing the soldiers at the outpost, which has become part of military legend after the troops here successfully thwarted the numerically higher Pakistani forces in the 1971 war, Modi attacked China without naming it, saying that the world is worried about “expansionist forces” and expansionism shows a “distorted mentality” that belongs to the 18th century.
India had become a forceful voice against the forces of expansionism, he said, also taking aim at Pakistan, adding that Indian soldiers have targeted “sponsors of terrorism” at their home, a reference to the air and surgical strikes against them. terrorist camps in the neighboring country.
“No force in the world can stop our brave soldiers from defending our borders … The world today knows that we will not compromise one bit with our interests at any cost,” he said amid a clash with China on the Ladakh border. .
He said that India today believes in the policy of understanding others and making them understand, but if it is put to the test, it gives a fierce response. The country had the capacity and the political will to provide an adequate response to those who challenge it, he added.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of having strong capabilities, saying that despite advanced international equations and cooperation, vigilance is the path to safety, alertness leads to happiness and peace is the prize. to have strength.
“The history of the world tells us that only those nations that have remained safe and advanced and that had the ability to face the invaders,” he said, adding that 130 crore Indians joined the country’s soldiers and bowed before them bravely.
“They are proud of their courage,” he told the soldiers, saying that their bravery has overcome all adversities, whether in the deserts, the forests or the deep oceans.
Modi said that his Diwali was completed only after he arrived among the soldiers, adding that he couldn’t stay away from his own at this festival. He said the more time he spent with the soldiers, the stronger his determination to serve and protect the country became.
“Your sacrifices teach the country discipline and a sense of service,” the prime minister told the soldiers, referring to his government’s efforts to combat the coronavirus and also to restart economic activity completely.
Urging the soldiers to make innovation and yoga a part of their daily lives, he also asked them to learn a language other than Hindi, English and their mother tongue, and said it will enrich their lives.
The Prime Minister referred to his government’s emphasis on self-reliance and the “vocal for the local” campaign and congratulated the Armed Forces for the decision to ban the import of more than 100 weapons and defense equipment.
Recalling the glorious battle of Longewala, he said it will always be remembered in the annals of strategic planning and military valor.
He said that this was the moment when the ugly face of Pakistan was uncovered, as its army was terrorizing innocent citizens of Bangladesh and committing atrocities against women.
“Pakistan opened the front on the western border to divert world attention, but our forces gave them an adequate response,” he said.
On the occasion, he recalled the fierce fighting the post had witnessed in the 1971 war against Pakistan and paid tribute to Brig Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri, a battle hero who was then a commander, and said he went “rashtra deep” with his feat of bravery.
It was also an example of exemplary coordination between the Army, Navy and Air Force, he said.
India had defeated Pakistan in the 1971 war, which led to the independence of Bangladesh.
Modi has been visiting outposts every Diwali since his government came to power in 2014.
He was in Rajouri last year, in Uttarakhand in 2018 and in Gurez in 2017. PTI
