After remaining rather silent on Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s release order by his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, 1 March, finally referenced his release directly. Varthaman was captured by Pakistan on 27 February when he landed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after an aerial engagement with a Pakistani jet.
Speaking at a public meeting in Kanyakumari, Modi said, "Every Indian should be proud of Wing Commander Abhinandan, who is from Tamil Nadu."
On Thursday, while speaking at the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology in New Delhi, PM Modi had welcomed Abhinandan’s release in a cryptic remark, saying, "A pilot project is followed by scalability. Now, a pilot project has been completed. Now we have to make it real. Earlier it was just a practice session."
‘India Will No Longer be Helpless in Wake of Terror’
In Kanyakumari, Modi also touched upon his government’s efforts to curb terrorism and accused the previous government(s) of not doing enough to tackle the issue.
He further said:
“From 2004 to 2014, there were several terror attacks. The nation expected perpetrators to be punished but nothing happened.”
‘26/11 – No Action, Uri and Pulwama – Swift Military Response’
Saluting India’s soldiers, he said, “Their vigilance keeps our nation secure.”
He further said:
Lauding the Armed Forces, PM Modi said the past few days have brought the nation closer.
‘UPA Blocked Surgical Strike After 26/11’
PM Modi also accused the UPA government of blocking a surgical strike, despite requests from the Indian Air Force, after 26/11.
“Today, we are in an era where the news reads, ‘Armed forces have full freedom to do what they want’.”PM Modi
"This is the new India that will return the damage done by terrorists," PM Modi further said.
Accuses Parties of ‘Hating India’
The Prime Minister also accused some political parties of hating India, saying that it has been guided by Modi hatred.
“The world is supporting India’s fight against terror but a few parties suspect our fight against terror. These are the same people whose statements are helping Pakistan and harming India. I want to ask them – do you support our armed forces or suspect them?”
PM Modi also questioned whether they believe our armed forces or those who support terrorism on our soil. He concluded by saying this:
Reacting to PM Modi’s remarks, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said:
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi tells media that India is united after the Pulwama terror attacks but immediately targets Congress; he does the same at war memorial opening.”
While addressing a public rally in Maharashtra’s Dhule district, Gandhi said the prime minister can’t leave aside PR even for five minutes.
“India's prime minister can't leave aside his public relations (exercise) even for five minutes; that is the difference between him and us.”
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