Warns Pakistan: ‘Bullets Will Be Answered With Cannon Balls’
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday termed Operation Sindoor as India’s largest and most successful counter-terrorism operation in history.
He addressed the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects in Bhopal.
Speaking at the event, he began by paying tribute to ‘Maa Bharati’ and acknowledging the strength of India’s women.
The Prime Minister highlighted that there was a time when women were kept away from emerging technologies.
He emphasized that the country has moved beyond that era, ensuring that women actively participate in technological advancements and stated that the government is committed to enabling women and daughters to take leadership roles in modern technology. He pointed to the drone revolution in agriculture, underscoring that rural women are leading this transformation. “Namo Drone Didi initiative is boosting the confidence of rural women and enhancing their income opportunities and creating a unique identity for them”, remarked the Prime Minister.
Underlining that a large number of daughters across the country are pursuing careers as scientists, doctors, engineers, and pilots, Shri Modi emphasized that the enrollment of girls in science and mathematics education is steadily increasing. “Today, a large number of women scientists are working in all our major space missions”, said Shri Modi, mentioning that over 100 women scientists and engineers contributed to the Chandrayaan-3 mission. He further remarked on the remarkable contributions of women in the startup sector, pointing out that nearly 45% of startups in India have at least one woman as a director and this number continues to rise.
“India is a land of deep-rooted culture and traditions, where sindoor symbolizes feminine strength”, emphasised Shri Modi, mentioning that even Lord Hanuman, immersed in devotion to Lord Ram, adorned himself with sindoor, and it is offered in shakti puja rituals. “Sindoor has now become a symbol of India’s valor”, said Shri Modi.
Referring to the attack in Pahalgam, he stated that the terrorists not only shed the blood of Indians but also struck at the nation’s cultural ethos and attempted to divide society. Most significantly, they challenged India’s Nari Shakti and this challenge proved fatal for the terrorists and their handlers. “Operation Sindoor is India’s largest and most successful counter-terrorism operation in history”, emphasised Shri Modi, highlighting that at locations where Pakistan’s forces never anticipated action, Indian armed forces dismantled terrorist bases.
He remarked that Operation Sindoor has sent a clear message that proxy wars through terrorism will not be tolerated. He stressed that India will not only eliminate threats within its territory but will also ensure a heavy price is paid by those supporting terrorists. “Every Indian now echoes the same sentiment, if you fire bullets, you will face artillery shells”, said Shri Modi.
“Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to the strength and valor of India’s Nari Shakti”, stressed the Prime Minister. He highlighted the crucial role played by the Border Security Force (BSF) in this operation, noting that from Jammu to Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, a significant number of BSF women personnel were at the frontlines. He commended their resolute response to cross-border firing and their active participation in command and control centers, as well as in eliminating enemy positions. The Prime Minister remarked that the world is witnessing the capability of India’s daughters in national defense. He emphasized that over the past decade, the government has undertaken several measures to strengthen women’s role in security forces. He pointed out that the doors of Sainik Schools have been opened for girls, marking a historic step. He noted that in 2014, only 25% of National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets were female, whereas today, their participation is increasing towards 50%.The Prime Minister celebrated a landmark moment as the first batch of women cadets passed out from the National Defence Academy (NDA). He emphasized that women are now serving at forward positions in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He further highlighted that women officers are showcasing their courage and leadership from fighter jets to the INS Vikrant warship, demonstrating their growing role in India’s defense forces.
Highlighting a recent demonstration of courage by the women of the Indian Navy, referencing the Navika Sagar Parikrama, Shri Modi noted that two brave women officers completed a nearly 250-day maritime journey, circumnavigating the globe. He emphasized the remarkable feat of covering thousands of kilometers using a sailboat powered solely by wind, enduring prolonged periods at sea without sight of land. He acknowledged the severe weather conditions and storms they overcame, showcasing their resilience. Shri Modi remarked that their achievement is a testament to the ability of India’s daughters to conquer even the most formidable challenges. He underscored their growing role in safeguarding the nation, whether in anti-Naxal operations or countering cross-border threats. From the land of Devi Ahilyabai, he once again saluted the strength and determination of India’s Nari Shakti.
“India stands at a pivotal moment in history, where the nation must work simultaneously on its security, strength, and cultural heritage”, exclaimed Shri Modi, stressing the importance of increased efforts and highlighted the significant role of Matrushakti—India’s mothers, sisters, and daughters—in shaping the country’s future. He invoked the inspiration of Lokmata Ahilyabai, alongside the legacy of great women leaders such as Rani Lakshmibai, Rani Durgavati, Rani Kamalapati, Avantibai Lodhi, Kittur Rani Chennamma, Rani Gaidinliu, Velu Nachiyar, and Savitribai Phule. He noted that each of these names fills the nation with pride. Expressing hope that the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai will continue to inspire generations, Shri Modi concluded by urging the nation to strengthen the foundations of a Sashakt Bharat for the centuries to come.