Modi calls 2016 surgical strikes a decisive model of counter-terrorism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described India’s 2016 surgical strikes across the Line of Control as a decisive response to terrorism and a bold example of the country’s counter-terrorism policy. Speaking during his monthly broadcast, Mann Ki Baat, Modi said India had adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. He said the country had made clear that terror attacks would be met with a strong and decisive response.

Modi said the Indian Army carried out the strikes on September 28 and 29, 2016, against alleged terror hideouts across the Line of Control. He linked the operation to a terror attack on an Army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir. He said the operation showed India’s soldiers crossing the Line of Control and taking action against terrorism, adding that the strikes had left the world stunned.

Modi presented the action as a response to the pain India had endured from terrorist attacks. The prime minister also referred to the ongoing census exercise, calling it a national responsibility and asking citizens to participate. He encouraged people to use the online enumeration facility during the exercise.

On narcotics, Modi said young people were joining the fight against drugs through the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan, or drug-free initiative. He said millions of young people had pledged to stay away from drugs and to spread awareness through campaigns and activities. During the broadcast, Modi also paid tribute to the late Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal on his birth anniversary.

He credited Singhal with giving direction to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and referred to the construction of the temple in Ayodhya.