Our Bureau
New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India has adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy towards terrorism, asserting that the country has repeatedly demonstrated its resolve to respond decisively to terror threats. In his 138th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi cited the 2016 surgical strikes, the Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor as examples of India’s approach to counter-terrorism.
Recalling the surgical strikes of September 28-29, 2016, PM Modi said the Indian Army had crossed the Line of Control (LoC) to target terrorist hideouts in Pakistan following the Uri terror attack. He said the operation demonstrated a new approach to India’s counter-terrorism policy and was a decisive response to the attacks the country had endured.
The Prime Minister said that over the past decade, India had sent a clear message that terrorist attacks would be met with a strong response. Referring to the Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor, he said these actions reflected the country’s stated policy against terrorism.
PM Modi also recalled earlier attacks, including the September 13, 2008, serial blasts in Delhi and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. He said there had been a period when such attacks were frequent and demands for action against Pakistan followed, but were not always acted upon.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came a day before the 10th anniversary of the 2016 surgical strikes. He also paid tribute to victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, noting the loss of Indian lives, and expressed condolences to their families.