New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tributes to the soldiers who defended India during the 1999 Kargil war and said Pakistan has been resorting to deceit on Kashmir since Independence and it had done so when wars were fought in 1948, 1965 and 1971.
Speaking at a commemorative function in Delhi, the PM said, “Its deceit was defeated in 1999 (Kargil war). The neighbour thought that India will lodge protest over Kargil (intrusion) and tension will scare the world with countries jumping in for mediation and create a new boundary. They had not hoped we will give an effective answer. Instead of crying and finding excuses, giving a strong strategic answer proved costly for the enemy.”
PM Modi also said that the Kargil war still inspires the whole country and the victory was the victory of India’s unity, strength and patience.
He also recalled his Kargil visit saying, “I had gone to Kargil 20 years ago when war was at its peak, the enemy was playing its games sitting on high peaks. Death was staring in the face yet our jawans carrying the tricolour wanted to reach the valley before anyone.”
Prime Minister @narendramodi: I had gone to Kargil 20 years ago when war was at its peak, the enemy was playing its games sitting on high peaks. Death was staring in the face yet our jawans carrying the tricolour wanted to reach the valley before anyone.#KargilVijayDiwas pic.twitter.com/agklQo9BF7
— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) July 27, 2019
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Talking about wars, PM Modi said, “Today the wars have reached the space. Wars are fought even in cyber world today. So, modernisation of defence forces is not only a necessity but also our priority. Modernisation should be the identity of our defence forces.”
PM @narendramodi, in Delhi: Today the wars have reached the space. Wars are fought even in cyber world today. So, modernisation of defence forces is not only a necessity but also our priority. Modernisation should be the identity of our defence forces. #KargilVijayDiwas pic.twitter.com/duo80bnfLV
— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) July 27, 2019
The Prime Minister also hailed the then Vajpayee government and said it gave an effective strategic answer to Pakistan’s ‘deceit’ on Kashmir in 1999 Kargil war.
Noting that India has never been an aggressor, Modi said that peaceful conduct was part of India’s traditions and its image has been of a country that works for peace.
PM Modi also said that all countries believing in peace and humanity should stand together along with their forces to tackle terrorism.