Modi govt committed to protect country's sovereignty: Ahir

Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir today said the Narendra Modi government was committed to protecting the sovereignty of the country and that stern action would be taken against divisive forces bent on creating unrest in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking at a function to mark the 65th death anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the Jan Sangh founder, Ahir said by withdrawing from the coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP proved it "can give up power to protect the sovereignty of the country".

"People are happy with the decision of the BJP and imposition of Governor's rule (in J&K). 12 separatist leaders have been arrested. Their properties have been raided and seized. Previous governments never touched separatist leaders," he said.

Before the Ramazan ceasefire, the security forces had killed several terrorists along the border, he said.

"We want to assure the people of this country that the nation's borders will be protected and secured," he said.

"If Pakistan thinks it can take Kashmir away from us, the people of this country will teach it a lesson," he said. Kashmir problem was the result of the "sin" of the Congress party, he claimed.

"Under the Modi government, no one should think that India will bow down to terror. The situation in Kashmir after the last assembly polls was such that the BJP had to form coalition government with PDP," he said.

The Congress had become so desperate that it has started speaking against the country, Ahir alleged. "Congress president Rahul Gandhi asks for proof of surgical strikes. Why is the Congress speaking Pakistan's language?"