Use anger from Uri attack for nation building, says Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi in Kozhikode, Kerala on Sunday. Pic/PTI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday acknowledged the nation-wide anger after the Uri terror attack that killed 18 soldiers and vowed that the perpetrators of the "cowardly" act would not be spared. He also urged the nation to channel the anger into a positive, nation building approach.

In his monthly radio broadcast ‘Mann ki Baat,' Modi said, "Recently, we lost 18 bravehearts in a terror attack in Uri. I salute and pay my tributes to these martyrs."

Culprits will be punished
"It is a loss for the entire nation. And that is why I reiterate today what I had said on the day of the attack: The culprits will be punished for sure," he said. Modi hailed the Indian Army and expressed his confidence in the armed forces in battling terrorism.

"We have full confidence in the Indian Army and are proud of them. While politicians speak, military acts to show valour. They speak through their bravery," the Prime Minister said.

The Uri assault has plummeted the already frosty India-Pakistan ties, but Modi chose to calm the tempers and urged the nation to channel the anger into a positive and constructive nation-building approach. He said a Class 11 student named Harshvardhan who was disturbed by the Uri attack had written to him saying he wanted to do something for the country. Modi said the young man took a "resolve that he would study for three extra hours daily, be a good citizen and serve the nation." Modi said the "healthy" and "constructive" thinking of this young man was inspiring for all to take the "nation to new heights."