PM Modi hits out at Pak, says 'some countries glorify terrorists'

In a veiled attack on Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that some countries glorify terrorists, asserting that India won't bend before terrorism.

Expressing his gratitude to the Baloch nations who sought India's help over Pakistan's brutalities in Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the Prime Minister said he was grateful to them for reaching out to him.

"This is the example of our humanitarian approach, but there are some countries who glorify terrorists. To the youth who have taken up guns, I urge them to return to their parents and shun violence," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing the nation on the occasion of 70th Independence Day.

"This country will never bend before terrorism. Many innocents were killed in Peshawar terrorist attack, but there were tears in everyone's eyes in Parliament here," he added.

Asserting that 'unity in diversity' is the whole essence of the Indian culture, the Prime Minister said there is no place for violence and atrocities in the nation.

Prime Minister Modi asserted that there cannot be a bigger freedom than freedom from poverty.

"I invite all the SAARC countries to work together to fight this. We did not get an opportunity to die for the country but we have the opportunity to live for the country," he added.

Two Baloch leaders earlier on Saturday welcomed Prime Minister Modi's stand to expose Pakistan's brutalities in Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

World Baloch Women's Forum president Naela Quadri Baloch said the people of the region supported Modi.

Hammal Haider Baloch, another Baloch leader, said it was for the first time that an Indian Prime Minister has expressed his wish to support the Baloch people.

Their appeal came a day after the Modi government launched a fresh offensive against Islamabad for igniting the latest unrest in Kashmir after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani last month.

Kashmir has been on the boil for more than a month with at least 58 killed and thousands wounded during protests against Wani's killing.