PM Modi announces 500 scholarships for children of Afghan martyrs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces the scheme while addressing the Parliament of Afghanistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced 500 scholarships for children of the martyrs of Afghan security forces.

The Prime Minister, who was addressing the Parliament of Afghanistan said, "You know that India is here to lay the foundations of future, not light the flame of conflict; to rebuild lives and not to destroy a nation. Today, I announce 500 scholarships for children of the martyrs of Afghan security forces, while the scheme of 1,000 scholarships will continue."

The Prime Minister asserted that Afghanistan will succeed only when there is no terrorism across the border and when the nurseries and sanctuaries of terrorism are shut.

"Terror and violence cannot be the instrument to shape Afghanistan's future or dictate the choices Afghans make," he added.

He also lauded Afghanistan for choosing democracy against all challenges faced by them.

"The Parliament is a tribute to the countless, nameless Afghans who laid down their lives and sacrificed their future. To the leadership of former President Hamid Karzai Saheb, who led the nation with wisdom and determination from the dark days of despair to a future of hope," he said.