Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggestively attacked its neighbouring arch rival Pakistan in his Independence Day speech and said that his country “will not tolerate terrorism and Maoism” nor was there any “space for violence and atrocities”.
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Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British colonial rule in August 1947 but both claim the territory in full.
In a statement, Aziz said that Modi was only trying to divert world attention from the grim tragedy that has been unfolding in the Indian Occupied Kashmir over the past five weeks.
Earlier on Saturday, two prominent Baloch leaders welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s stand to expose Pakistan’s brutalities in Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The army also said it had foiled an attempt to infiltrate two militants from Pakistan into North Kashmir, killing both. Many innocent school children were killed.
In the speech Prime Minister said about the government’s achievement.
Sartaj Aziz said that a political solution of the Kashmir issue needs to be traced out as the matter can not be resolved through bullets.
Last year’s speech saw Modi set a 1,000-day deadline for every village in India to get electricity, urging state governments responsible for power to ensure every community is finally linked to the national grid. “I want to offer my gratitude to these people”.
“What kind of life is this, inspired by terrorism?”
Besides, the protest demonstrations will be held in London, Brussels and other main cities of the world against the Indian brutalities on the people of Kashmir.
Although he made no direct reference to the situation in Kashmir, he made a general appeal for youths to steer clear of violence and promised jobs for young people. “A nation divided because of caste and religion can not achieve great things”.
Modi listed areas where he said India has made significant progress in the past couple of years, notably financial inclusion through Aadhaar, expanding energy services to the needy, and faster delivery of public services like the issuance of a passport. “It is important for India to remain relevant and lead the global economy”.
Talking about economic and social sectors, he said he tries to adopt the strategy of “reform, perform and transform” while avoiding populism and asserted that march from self- governance to good-governance is a resolve of entire nation which will need sacrifices.
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He said that the Congress with the government as far as unity and integrity are concerned, adding that even in the Kashmir issue, all parties supported the view and the stand taken by the government. He said his government had reined in inflation and “did not let it rise above 6 per cent” despite two years of drought. “Only economic development can not guarantee a strong nation, we also need an empowered society”, Modi said.
