Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday deplored the attacks and harassment of Kashmiris, especially students, in many places across the country in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack and said the fight was against terrorism and "for Kashmir" and such incidents should not occur.
Addressing a public rally in Tonk, Rajasthan, Modi said: "Our fight is against terrorism and the enemies of humanity. Our fight is for Kashmir not against Kashmir, not against Kashmiris. What happened to Kashmiri students in the last few days, such things should not happen in this country."
"Stern action against those who live in India and push separatism has been taken and will be taken. This is a changed India, this pain will not be tolerated. We will not sit quiet after suffering this pain. We know how to crush terrorism. This is an India of new policies," Modi said.
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"If we want to win the fight, we should not make mistakes. A terrorist is a terrorist and Kashmiri people are also facing trouble due to terrorism. Previous governments sowed such seeds but this government of India will fulfil the dreams of Kashmiris," he said.
"Kashmiri youth are also troubled by terrorists. They are also ready to come with us to fight against them. We need to keep them with us. Kashmiri people take care of Amarnath pilgrims. One year ago, there was firing on Amarnath pilgrims and Kashmiri Muslim people had lined up for donating blood and to protect lives," said Modi.
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Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah welcomed the Prime Minister's statement.
Modi's statement comes as the Supreme Court on Friday directed the chief secretaries and police chiefs of all states and Union Territories to take “prompt action” to prevent incidents of “assault, threat, social boycott and such other egregious acts” against Kashmiris, including students, and other minorities in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.
The apex court also issued notices to the Centre and 10 states — Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Punjab and Maharashtra — where attacks on Kashmiris had taken place, and sought their reply.
Following the order, the Centre late on Friday night asked all states to ensure security of people belonging to Jammu and Kashmir.
The Prime Minister also said that after Pakistan got a new Prime Minister in Imran Khan he had congratulated him and said that both nations should fight against poverty and illiteracy.
