Terrorism is new form of Ravana: Modi

In his Vijayadashmi address at Lucknow's Aishbagh Ramleela ground he also said terrorism is a virus affecting the society

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday invoked Ramayana and asked his countrymen to keep a vigil against terror and fight it the way Jatayu fought Ravana to try rescue Sita from the demon.

"Who was the first to stand against terrorism? Was he a warrior? Ramayana is witness that Jatayu was the first to fight against terrorism. He fought for a woman's honour," Modi said in his Vijayadashmi address at Lucknow's Aishbagh Ramleela ground.

Addressing a massive crowd, the Prime Minister said terrorism was one of the modern forms of Ravana - "the enemy of humanity".

"Ravana today has raised his head in a different form. If a country of 1.25 crore keeps an eye on every terrorist activity, terrorists will never succeed," he said, beginning and ending his speech with loud cries of "Jai Shri Ram, Jai Jai Shri Ram".

"We cannot become Ram but can all try and be Jatayu and fight terrorism," Modi said to loud cheers.

He said after the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, the US described terrorism as a law and order problem. "But after (2008 Mumbai attack) they came around and started talking about terrorism."

Modi said the fight against terrorism was not over. "If you think we are free from terrorism, then you are wrong. It is a virus affecting our society."

In a veiled reference to Pakistan, the Prime Minister said that countries which support terrorism should not be spared.