PM targets Pak, says Pulwama attackers will be punished

| | Mumbai
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PM targets Pak, says Pulwama attackers will be punished

Sunday, 17 February 2019 | TN RAGHUNATHA | Mumbai

Sending out a strong message to Pakistan that “has become synonymous with terrorism”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that however the perpetrators of Pulwama mayhem “may try to hide” but “they will definitely be punished” and the security forces had been given a “free hand” to deal with the counter-attack they deemed fit.

Reiterating  that the sacrifices of the sacrifices made by the jawans killed in the Pulwama attack “will not go in vain”,  the Prime Minister said: “I request you to be brave and have confidence in our jawans. Our jawans will decide how, where, when and who will punish the terrorists behind Pulwama attack. They will also decide on what kind of punishment to the perpetrators of the attack”.

Addressing a public rally after kick-starting various development projects at Yavatmal in eastern Maharashtra, Modi made unmistakable reference to Pakistan and said that the neighbouring country was “sheltering” perpetrators of terror and had become synonymous with terrorism. “The country, which came into being after India’s partition and the country shelters terrorism, is on the verge of bankruptcy. And it has become synonymous with terrorism,” Modi said.

Averring that the nation “understands" the anger prevailing among CRPF personnel over the killings of their colleagues in Pulwama, Modi said: “However, the perpetrators of Pulwama mayhem may try to hide but they will definitely be punished. We are both proud and confident of our soldiers and security forces. The nation understands the anger prevailing that is currently prevailing among CRPF personnel. That’s why we have given a free hand to the security forces (to deal with the situation in a manner they deem fit)”.

Speaking briefly about the Pulwama attack at the beginning of his speech, Modi said:  “I can understand the turmoil the people are reeling under after Pulwama attack. I can also perceive the anger caused the Pulwama attack.... I said yesterday and I am saying once again that the sacrifices made by the jawans killed in the Pulwama attack will not go in vain”.

In reference to two jawans from Maharashtra killed in the Pulwama attack, the Prime Minister said: “Two brave soldiers from Maharashtra laid down their lives for the nation in their line of duty at Pulwana.  I can comprehend the deep sorrow of the families who have lost their beloved sons.  All our sympathies are with them”

Earlier, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of 10 road construction projects, under which 176 km of roads will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 456 crore, drawn from Central Road Fund. These projects,which will be completed in 18 months,  will improve market access to the farmers in the region and contribute to the economic development of the region.

Through a remote control, Modi also flagged off Hamsafar Express which will run between Ajni (Nagpur) and Pune. The train comprises three-tier air-conditioned coaches; it will provide overnight service between Nagpur and Pune.

The Prime Minister inaugurated a National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) Centre for Research, Management and Control for treatment, education, protection and eradication of sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia, two diseases which are prevalent in the region.

The Prime Minister handed over keys of houses to selected beneficiaries, for whom houses were constructed un er Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) – Gramin. Construction of more than 11,000 houses was completed in Yavatmal district in the last three years.

 

While laying the foundation stone of 10 road construction projects, Modi noted that connectivity had a big role in development, the PrimeMinister said: “The road construction projects for which foundation stones have been laid are worth Rs 500 crore. Once completed, they will improve connectivity in the respective areas.

“The Hamsafar express between Ajni (Nagpur) and Pune which has been flagged off today will travel through Daund, Manmad and Bhusaval and will benefit all the people in the region, “ Modi said.

Observing that more than 14,000 families entered pucca houses today, the Prime Minister said that this would also enable them to have pucca dreams. He said that the Government had set a target of providing a pucca house to everyone by the year 2022.

The Prime Minister, who distributed certificates and cheques to Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) under Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), women’s SHGs had a big network in Maharashtra “To develop and strengthen these SHGs and  to make them the foundation of the rural economy, we have increased the allocation of funds to SHGs by 2.5 times,” he said.

The MSRLM seeks to provide farm and non-farm livelihood opportunities through facilitation of door-step delivery of financial services. Close to 17,000 SHGs -have been formed under the programme in Yavatmal, which is the highest among districts in Maharashtra.

The Prime Minister, who inaugurated Eklavya Model Residential School at Nanded that has a capacity of 420 students, said that various initiatives were being taken in sectors ranging from education to skill development to job creation.”Schools are being started in every block with a tribal population of at least 20,000,” he said.

Prominent among those present on the occasion were Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir, several state ministers, local parliamentarians and legislators.

 

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