Modi sends out strong message against terror

Pitching for a "decisive battle" against terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight asked countries to choose if they are with sponsors of the menace or against them as he underlined that dialogue is the only way to resolve all issues with neighbours.

Modi, without naming Pakistan, said that India wants good relations with all neighbouring countries. "I keep telling all neighbouring countries that like all people who have chosen the path of violence will have to come to the dialogue table at some point of time, similarly dialogue is the only way to resolve issues."

The Prime Minister, who wrapped up his two-day visit to UAE, told a gathering of around 50,000 Indians at the Dubai International Cricket stadium that the message of collective fight against terrorism which has emanated from here will be "understood" by those sponsoring terrorism, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

"Samajnewale samajh jayenge. Akalmand ko ishara kaafi hai (Those who need to understand will get the message. Signal is enough for them. Those involved in terrorism must be punished and this message has come out clearly from here," he said while referring to the India-UAE joint statement which talked about collective fight against terrorism.

Speaking just ahead of the NSA-level talks with Pakistan on August 23, Modi said India has been a victim of terrorism for last 40 years, with innocent people being killed but the world has realised its impact only now.

"Terrorism does not have any boundary... Everyone will have to decide whether they are with terrorism or against it," the Prime Minister said in his 70-minute address.

He said "false distinction" between good terrorism and bad terrorism will not work and action must be taken against all those involved in perpetrating violence.

"Good Taliban, bad Taliban. Good terror, bad terror...This won't work. Time has come now for a decisive battle between those supporting terrorism and those believing in humanity," he said. 

While talking about terrorism, Modi took a swipe at UN Security Council, saying that it has not been able to define terrorism and which country should be declared as "terrorist state".

In this context, he said a proposal on Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism has been pending for long and the UAE has backed India's stand on the matter.

Giving the example of recent Naga peace accord, the Prime Minister said all those who are on the path of violence should shun it and come to the national mainstream.

"Howsoever serious a problem may be, at the end talks is the only way to resolve it.

Whether you come to the dialogue table after fighting for 10 years, 20 years or 40 years, you will have to come for talks. I want to tell those who have chosen the wrong path that violence does no good to anybody," Modi said amid chant of "Modi-Modi"

The Prime Minister spoke on a range of issues including ties with Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives, Bhutan and steps for bolstering connectivity and trust among SAARC countries. 

On efforts to boost intra-SAARC connectivity on the pattern of European Union, Modi said that "some people" had problems, in oblique reference to Pakistan which was not forthcoming in finalising a pact.

"Should we stop because some people had problem. Let them stay where they are. We are moving ahead. India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh have signed a pact for building connectivity. It is a major decision which will have implication in the long run,' said Modi.
The Prime Minister said India will next year launch a SAARC satellite which will provide free services to SAARC countries, meant for common people.

"A new life has been infused in SAARC which was earlier a forum for sparring and efforts to corner India. Our dream is to take development of SAARC nations to newer heights," he said adding "Trust is important in international relations."

Taking a dig at earlier Indian governments, Modi said there were 700 weekly flights between India and UAE but it has taken 34 years for a Prime Minister to visit the important Gulf country.

Hailing the Indian diaspora, he recalled that the NRIs had overwhelmingly responded to Atal Bihari Vajpayee's call for contributions the world imposed sanctions on India in the wake of nuclear tests 1998.

Much to the delight of many Keralites in the audience, Modi wished them in Malayalam on the occasion of their new year's day. He also assured the diapora com munity that his government will address their grivances and difficulties.

Taking on board complaints of expatriates, the Prime Minister said an e-migrant portal has been set up to deal with such issues and the India Mission has been told to rectify technical hitches within a month from today.

To help Indian workers who are in large numbers here, he said instructions have been given to the Indian embassy to set up counsellor camps at places where the Indian community is concentrated in large numbers to deal with grievances.

Additionally an Indian Community Welfare Fund has been established to help Indians in distress.