Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the HT Leadership Summit on Saturday pointed out a dramatic shift in India’s approach in handling terrorism. Comparing the current scenario with the past, Modi noted that while the previous government left citizens feeling insecure in their own houses today, terrorists themselves do not feel safe in their hideouts.
Dynamics of terrorism changed
Reflecting on the 21/11 Mumbai terror attacks through exhibits displayed at the summit, the Prime Minister stressed how indecision has plagued the region of Kashmir for decades. He remembered the emotional connection he felt while seeing news clippings of Kashmir’s integration with India in 1947, underlining how long-standing violence in the region has been rooted in policy inaction.
Modi expressed hopefulness about recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir, citing an increase in voter turnout during elections as a positive indicator for change.
2020 Bodo Peace Accord
The Prime Minister also underlined the success of the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord, which changed the lives in Bodoland. He also mentioned the first Bodoland Mohotsav which took place in Delhi, PM Modi termed it a landmark milestone, as youth and communities that were once caught in violence were now celebrating their culture with pride.
PM Modi also contrasted with the previous governments and condemned them for following vote-bank politics. He asserted that his government’s goal was rooted in inclusive development and is advancing with the principle of ‘’progress of the people, by the people and for the people.’’
He also talked about the instability during the 1990s, when India conducted five elections in a decade, PM Modi said experts were uncertain regarding the country’s ability to achieve progress. However, he hailed Indian citizens for proving these predictions wrong and restoring the confidence of the government.
The Prime Minister restated that his leadership has played a major role in ensuring balanced growth and reducing inequality. ‘’The time has changed,’’ a new era of stability and public trust has increased in governance.
(With inputs from PTI)
