Attacking Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that he has decided that henceforth the "battlefront" against terrorism would be in the land "where terrorists are bred".
"We have been suffering from terrorism for the last 40 years. Everybody knows who does this sin, where is the remote control, where the masters of these terrorists are sitting? They would come and hit us at will. Tell me how long this would go on like this?
"So I have decided that from now on, the game would be played on their soil. The battlefront would be there only," Modi said while addressing gatherings in different cities through video conferencing under the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign.
Modi said that after Balakot air strike, the neighbouring country was in a dilemma whether to acknowledge it or not, stressing that India struck at such a point where Pakistan is unable to understand how to hide its wounds.
"Pakistan's dilemma is if it acknowledges that Balakot air strike happened, it would be akin to an admission that there was a terrorist camp there. They have always maintained before the world that there are no terrorist camps on their soil. We struck in auch a way that Pakistan is left wondering how to hide it."
He said that the credit for air strike does not go him but to the soldiers who carried it out.
"I could take this decision as I have confidence on my armed forces. I gave them a free hand because I am so sure of their discipline that they would never do anything that might shame our country," he said.
He said India will move ahead without wasting any more time, underlining that India was on the verge of becoming $5 trillion economy.
"We have wasted much time on India-Pakistan (debate). It (Pakistan) will die its own death, let's move ahead...We are on the doorstep of becoming a $5 trillion economy," Modi said.
Taking a dig at the opposition, he said that many people were in the queue for becoming India's Prime Minister in 2014, but in 2019 the queue has got "a bit longer".
He said that if remaining in power through political jugglery and working for personal gains was not his objective for becoming the Prime Minister.
"For me, the nation and its 125 crore people are the first priority. What else do I have? I have not kept any personal concern," he said.
--IANS
mak/vd
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
