PM Modi Recalls 2016 Surgical Strikes in 'Mann Ki Baat', Stresses Zero Tolerance for Terrorism

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday recalled the 2016 surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army across the Line of Control (LoC), saying India has made it clear that terrorism will be met with a “strong and decisive response”. Addressing the 138th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said the surgical strikes, carried out on September 28-29, 2016, demonstrated India's resolve to respond to cross-border terrorism.

“A major historical achievement of India is set to complete 10 years in just a day—the surgical strike. Ten years ago, on September 28–29, 2016, the Indian Army conducted a surgical strike on terrorist hideouts in PoJK. The world was astonished by the manner in which our brave soldiers crossed the Line of Control (LoC) to take action against terrorism,” he said.

PM Modi said the operation had demonstrated a new approach to India's counter-terrorism policy. “The surgical strike boldly demonstrated a new example of India's counter-terrorism policy to the entire world. It served as our decisive response to the long-standing suffering India had endured due to terrorist attacks,” he said. “India has made it clear that terrorism will be met with a strong and decisive response,” PM Modi added.

The Prime Minister also referred to the Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor, saying India had repeatedly sent the same message in response to terrorism. “Over the past decade, from the Balakot airstrike to 'Operation Sindoor', India has repeatedly sent a clear message: if terrorists dare to cast a hostile eye on India, they will face a befitting response,” he said. PM Modi also asserted that India was following a policy of “zero tolerance against terrorism”. The surgical strikes were carried out in response to the 2016 Uri terror attack, with the Indian Army targeting terror launch pads across the LoC.

Other highlights from Mann Ki Baat

The Prime Minister also referred to the ongoing Census exercise, describing it as a “national responsibility” and saying every citizen had a role to play. He said the first phase of the Census was almost complete across all states and Union territories, with information on more than 32 crore families already recorded. He urged people to actively participate in the exercise and make use of the online enumeration facility.

With October 2 approaching, PM Modi also highlighted cleanliness initiatives being carried out by communities across the country and recalled Mahatma Gandhi's emphasis on cleanliness. “October 2nd is just a few days away; it is the birth anniversary of Revered Bapu. Bapu gave us many mantras for life; cleanliness is one of them,” he said.

PM Modi cited examples of youngsters cleaning a river in Madhya Pradesh, restoring old stepwells and wells in Andhra Pradesh, volunteers cleaning Mumbai beaches and young people in Delhi spreading awareness about waste segregation. He also mentioned students and local residents in West Bengal who were cleaning picnic spots. “One thing is clearly evident in all these efforts: it started with one person, then others joined in and the caravan grew. This is public participation,” PM Modi said. “Cleanliness is also the most beautiful tribute we can pay to Bapu,” he added.

PM Modi also spoke about the fight against narcotics and said young people were coming together to spread awareness against drug addiction through the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan. He said millions of young people had taken a pledge to stay away from drugs and had also taken responsibility for spreading the message among others.

The Prime Minister also recalled the history of the Somnath temple, saying those who sought to erase India's identity by destroying it ultimately had no existence. He said the temple continued to stand in its grandeur by the sea, blessing India with immortality. During the broadcast, PM Modi also paid tribute to late VHP leader Ashok Singhal on his birth anniversary, recalling his contribution to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and describing his life as that of an ascetic who remained engaged with society.