Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hit back at critics of his government’s decision to revoke the autonomy of Kashmir, saying its special status had only led to terrorism and separatism. The move will allow Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to play a meaningful role in India’s development, Modi said while addressing the nation on Independence Day from New Delhi’s 17th-century Red Fort. Modi also spoke on the need for population control during his Independence speech from the ramparts of Red Fort. Modi said that there is a greater need for discussion and awareness of the population explosion.
“Population explosion will cause many problems for our future generations. But there is a vigilant section of the public which stops to think, before bringing a child to the world, whether they can do justice to the child, give them all that she or he wants. They have a small family and express their patriotism to the country. Let’s learn from them. There is a need for social awareness,” Prime Minister Modi said. Prime Minister had a word of praise for those who are going for small families. He said that such families are observing a form of patriotism.
He said: “Those who follow the policy of small family also contribute to the development of the nation, it is also a form of patriotism.” Modi said India stands strongly against terrorism and is presenting before the world the “true colors” of those who shelter and finance terrorism. Modi said India is fighting against terror with great strength, and will not support any country that shelters and finances terrorism. “We will expose before the world all exporters of terror. We, together with other countries of the world, will fight those sheltering terrorism, financing and exporting terrorism. We are presenting their true colors in front of the world.” He said neighboring countries — Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka — have been victims of the terror attacks. “So when India is fighting against terrorism, we are playing our role on the world stage,” he said. He greeted Afghanistan that is going to celebrate its 100 years of Independence after four days. One nation, one Constitution – this spirit has become a reality and India is proud of that.
GST (goods and services tax) brought to life the dream of one nation, one tax. India has also achieved one nation, one grid in the energy sector. Arrangements have been made for one nation, one mobility card. Today, India is talking about one nation, one election. India has much to offer. I know people travel abroad for holidays but can we think of visiting at least 15 tourist destinations across India before 2022, when we mark 75 years of freedom?
