Pak cant fight a conventional war: PM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday came out strongly against Pakistan for continuing its proxy war of terrorism against India, saying it has lost the strength to fight a conventional war. Addressing troops of Army and the Indian Air Force on his maiden trip to Leh and Ladakh, Modi condemned the continuing proxy war by Pakistan.

“The neighbouring country has lost the strength to fight a conventional war, but continues to engage in the proxy war of terrorism,” he said. The Indian armed forces were suffering more casualties from terrorism than from war. Noting that this is a global problem, the Prime Minister said all humanitarian forces of the world should unite to fight it. India is committed to strengthening and uniting these humanitarian forces.

Modi said India was committed to strong armed forces, well-equipped with modern arms and technology. The jawans should be assured that the entire country supports them, he stressed. Soldiers remain undeterred inspite of the many negatives and struggles that their families face in day-to-day life and this energy and sense of duty inspires him and, therefore, he keeps visiting jawans on the border to seek inspiration.

Earlier, in his second visit to J & K after assuming office, he spelled out three “P”s — Prakash, Paryavaran and Paryatan – for the state. Modi was speaking in his full capacity to woo the poll-bound state. Wooing the people Modi said, “The centre will work shoulder to shoulder with the state for its development.” Coming ahead of the assembly-elections, the trip involves a major boost for the power sector in the energy-starved state. 

“Fortunate to have worked as a party worker in J&K. I will repay the love and respect that you have showered upon me with interest. I will do all I can for the development of this region,” the Prime Minister said.

Modi laid the foundation stone for the first power transmission line from Leh to Srinagar and inaugurated two hydel power projects – 45-megawatt Nimoo Bazgo in Leh and the 44-megawatt Chutak in Kargil district.

The average demand for electricity in J&K is 3000 megawatt and the supply just half of it, from the state’s own power plans and the northern grid. The huge shortfall means long hours of power cuts and Leh and Kargil are among the worst sufferers.

The transmission line – a project announced by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in August 2003 – will connect Ladakh with the country’s northern grid and go a long way towards solving the power woes of Leh. 

The project, estimated to cost Rs 300 crore, will now come for a whopping Rs 1,700 crore.

Modi, who would be accompanied by Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, will also meet the Army and IAF personnel.

BJP bagged the Ladakh parliamentary constituency for the first time this year, when its candidate Thupstan Chhewang won by a slender margin of 36 votes.