PM Modi Recalls 2016 Surgical Strikes and Urges Public Participation in Census

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Sunday that the 2016 surgical strikes served as India's decisive answer to the pain of terror attacks and demonstrated a bold approach to counter-terrorism. Speaking in his monthly radio broadcast 'Mann Ki Baat', he noted that the country holds a policy of zero tolerance against terror and will answer such acts with a strong response. On September 28-29, 2016, the Indian Army crossed the Line of Control to hit terror hideouts after a terror attack struck an Army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister mentioned that the action left the world stunned. He added that India suffered through terror attacks for a long time before taking this decisive step.

Census and Anti-Drug Campaign

Shifting focus to domestic issues, Mr. Modi called the ongoing Census exercise a national responsibility that requires the participation of every citizen, while also encouraging people to use the online enumeration facility. Addressing the fight against drugs, he highlighted that the youth are uniting against narcotics through the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan'. Millions of young people across the country have taken a pledge against addiction and are spreading awareness via creative campaigns.

Tributes to Ashok Singhal

During his address, the Prime Minister also paid tribute to late VHP leader Ashok Singhal on his birth anniversary. He praised Mr. Singhal for living a life like an ascetic while staying involved in society, and credited the energy he gave to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement for the grand temple now seen in Ayodhya.