In a strong message, Prime Minister NarendraModi said on Saturday that militant groups who carried out the Pulwama attack, that left 49 CRPF troopers dead, cannot hide and “will be punished” as the security forces have been given a “free hand” to tackle them.
Paying tributes to two CRPF troopers from Maharashtra and others killed in the deadly attack on Thursday, Modi said the country has “complete faith and pride” in our soldiers and security forces and their sacrifices will not go in vain.
“Wherever the terror groups and the perpetrators may hide, our security forces will flush them out and punish them,” Modi said amidst cheers from the gathering of farmers and women. When and how to accomplish this has been left to the security forces, he said but appealed to the people of the country to be “patient” and repose confidence in the armed forces “as the terror perpetrators shall not be spared at any cost”.
Sharing the outrage of the entire nation, he said: “We are deeply pained by what has happened. Every drop of blood of our slain soldiers shall be avenged.” Without naming Pakistan, Modi said that now, “the neighbouring country” has become synonymous with terror. “It has sheltered terrorism, but today it is on the verge of bankruptcy.” He reiterated in both Dhule and Yavatmal areas that “the sins committed will not be forgiven or left unpunished”, referring to the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed.