Preachers of hate 'threatening' society, says Narendra Modi

He asked the youth to build a counter narrative to extremist ideologies

Amid the expanding footprint of ISIS across the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday warned that "preachers of hate and violence" are threatening the fabric of the society and asked the youth to build a counter narrative to extremist ideologies.

He also emphasised that those giving shelter to terrorists and using them as political instruments must be condemned, an apparent reference to Pakistan.

Addressing the students at the University of Nairobi, Modi pitched for a world free from terror and hate, saying safety and security of people and societies is essential for realising the benefits of the economic progress.

"Preachers of hate and violence are threatening the fabric of our society," he said. The Prime Minister's comments assume significance in view of the expanding footprint of ISIS, which is particularly attracting the youth through a campaign of radicalisation.

A recent case in point was the attack in Bangladesh at a cafe by a group of six educated youth in which 22 people, mostly foreigners, were killed. Some of these six attackers were allegedly influenced by controversial preacher Zakir Naik, who gives sermons on a TV channel. Apprehensions of some Indian youth getting attracted towards ISIS is also gaining ground with 15 youngsters from Kerala going missing mysteriously.

Modi, while speaking about developmental strides, said: "A steady march towards our economic goals is indeed a priority. But, we also cannot ignore the safety of our people."