The Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the Nation on the occasion of 71st Independence Day from the ramparts of Red Fort, in Delhi on August 15, 2017.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the Nation from ramparts of Red Fort was the most balanced comprehensive and statesman like speech that has ever been delivered on this occasion.
The PM’s speech, inter alia, was focused largely on national security, black money and corruption, intolerance and development.
Analysing his speech purely from security point of view, the Prime Minister of India highlighted India’s strengths and concerns, sending a strong message to the inimical elements, both internal or external.
Highlights of his speech have been:
Morale of the forces
- He lauded the contribution and sacrifices of all uniformed forces involved in security of the Nation.
- The achievement of his government in meeting the long outstanding demand of our Armed Forces personal seeking implementation of OROP.
- He announced the launching of a web portal that will carry the act of bravery of gallantry award winners along with details of the relevant context. This will bring out the stories of valour and courage to the public serving as a great motivator to our youths.
Internal Security
- He highlighted the importance of reaching out to the people of Kashmir, helping them in realising their dream of peace and prosperity.
- He emphasised the necessity of winning the hearts and minds of Kashmiris, “……. na Goli say na Gaali say laykin Galey laganey say……”.
- He praised the efforts of our security personnel operating in Naxal prone areas where the environment is changing and confidence returning amongst the locals. It is the result of this that large number of Naxalites have surrendered in the recent past.
Pakistan & Terror
- He reminded everyone of the Surgical Strike post Uri terror attack, indirectly warning Pakistan to refrain from perpetrating terror or else India reserves the right to carry out punitive action.
- He warned the terrorists that no relaxation will be given to them. While inviting those involved in terror and separatism to shun these and come forward and talk.
- Reminding the nation of high stature India has acquired over the short period of his government on the world stage, Narendra Modi emphasised that the world is cooperating with us in our fight against terror.
China & Doklam
- In an indirect reference to the issue without directly naming China or Doklam, the Prime Minister said that India is capable of defending itself from any threat ranging from the Oceans to the land Borders or from the Cyber threat to threat from the Space.
Black Money & Hawala
- Apart from other aspects, black money and hawala transactions contribute to sustainability of terrorists and the separatists. He reiterated the jolt of seizing of Baynami Properties and demonetisation has had on black money.
- He highlighted that three lakh Shell Companies have been identified out of those 2.5 lakhs have been closed that were also involved in Hawala transactions – All this will impact terror funding and stifle the activities of separatists.
However, what he did not mention was the progress on self reliance in the field of military equipment and ordnance under his flagship programme of Make in India.
The strategic analysts were also keenly waiting for any further references to Baluchistan, which in any case he has never referred to it again since he last mentioned from the Red Fort a year ago.
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