"Jay Sri Ram" his voice echoes, and what follows is a deafening cheer in response. Breaking tradition in style, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his presence felt at the Ramlila Maidan in Lucknow's Aishbagh. Speaking at the Dussehra rally, he said, "We set Ravana on fire every year. What is the root of this tradition? When we do this, we should be aware that in our own lives and in society too, we will get rid of the faults. We should introspect during Vijayadashmi at the faults that we have done away with over the year."
Keeping 'terrorism' the central theme of his address, Modi said, "If all of us keep our eyes open and pay close attention to the activities of terrorism, they will not succeed in their designs. We see visuals of what terrorism is doing to Syria. It brings tears to one's eyes. It gives us the conviction that there is no guarantee for the safety of humanity without defeating terrorism." What not many know is that every year the burning of Ravana's effigy, has a theme. This year, it was rightfully 'Atankvaad Ka Samool Naash' (Ending of the Root of Terrorism). Without naming neighbour Pakistan, Modi sent a strong message saying, "We will not spare those who shelter terrorists."
"When we burn Ravana, we should remember that humanity can't be saved lest we fight terrorism together. Those who destroy our world are modern-day 'Ravana'. If you think that we are free from terrorism, then you are wrong. It is a virus affecting our society." He also called upon the world to come together against terrorism as it has no boundaries. "If a country of 1.25 billion keep an eye on every terrorist activity, they will never succeed."
Modi also took the opportunity to talk about women's equality. "Today is the International Day of the Girl Child. We should collectively work towards an India where there is no discrimination based on gender and where girls get all opportunities to shine. Every year we set Ravana on fire because of what he did to one woman - Sita. But what we really need to do is burn down the Ravana in our minds, that leads us to kill many girls in their mother's wombs." He added, "Look at what has happened in the Olympics. It was our daughters who made us proud. This difference in the way we look at our daughters and our sons needs to be done away with."
In a speech that could be as un-political a speech as it could be, the Indian Prime Minister touched topics on terrorism, girl child, corruption, and cleanliness. The BJP-government toughened its stand against terrorism and, its tolerance towards Pakistan ever since the Uri terrorist attack on an Army base. Top level government sources recently revealed that India has warned Pak that the Line of Control will no longer be sacrosanct for if it continues to export terrorists. The country's surgical strike took the neighbour by surprise, as it later retaliated with threats of nuclear arms. India has taken a fresh attitude towards Pak. As the military improves its defensive capabilities, it also plans to take pre-emptive action against terror. "We have made our threshold a variable. We have inserted a new element of uncertainty," a source said. The move is much needed as the intelligence tells us that there are at least 250 active terrorists in just the Kashmir Valley.
Pampore: Terrorists hole up government building
A region surrounded by terrorist conflicts, Kashmir is once again in the grip of militant tension. A fierce gun-battle between security forces and terrorists continue in Pampore, 15 km away from Srinagar. Explosions and gunshots can be heard in regular intervals around a government institute where the group of terrorists remain hidden. Officials said they haven't fired at the forces in quite some time, possibly to lure in soldiers. They said the encounter continues as the building offers a "bunker-like" protection to the militants. Seemingly well-stocked in ammunition and supplies, they offer a willingness to stretch the operation. Five soldiers and a civilian have been killed; three terrorists were shot dead.
