Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a ‘high-power demography mission’ from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Friday. He also warned people about a “deliberate conspiracy” to alter the demographic of India — insisting that the country could not be ‘handed over’ to infiltrators. The PM delivered a 103-minute Independence Day address on Friday morning — steeped in themes that underscored his vision for a secure, confident, and self-sufficient India.
“Today, I wish to warn the nation of a grave concern and challenge. As part of a deliberate conspiracy, the demography of the country is being altered. Seeds of a new crisis are being sown. These infiltrators are snatching away the livelihoods of our youth. These infiltrators are targeting our sisters and daughters. This will not be tolerated. These infiltrators are misleading innocent tribals and seizing their lands. The nation will not endure this,” Modi warned.
‘National security crisis’
He also broached the possibility of a national security crisis due to demographic changes — “particularly in border areas”. Modi said that such a situation threatened the ‘unity, integrity and progress of the country’ and sowed the seeds of “social tension”. He added that these ghuspaithiyas (infiltrators) were snatching the bread and butter of the youth, and befooling tribals to capture forest land.
“No country can hand itself over to infiltrators. No nation in the world does so—how then can we allow India to do so? Our forefathers attained freedom through sacrifice; they gave us a free Bharat. It is our duty towards those great souls that we do not accept such acts within our nation. This will be their true tribute. Therefore, today from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I announce that we have decided to launch a high-power demography mission. Through this mission, the severe crisis now looming over India will be addressed in a deliberate and time-bound manner. We are moving forward in this direction,” Modi explained during his 103-minute speech.
Defend identity of Assam from going extinct: CM Sarma
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also issued a stern warning during Independence Day celebrations — claiming that a CM from “unknown people” would hoist the national flag in 20 years if Assamese people remain silent. He also took a pledge to fight for ‘survival’ and clear every piece of land from encroachment.
(With inputs from agencies)