Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who resorted to bloodshed and brutalities in occupied Kashmir, apparently softened his stance in an Independence Day speech on Tuesday.
“We have to work for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir... problems cannot be sorted through abuses or bullets... Kashmir’s problems can only be solved by embracing Kashmiris," said Modi while addressing the Indian nation from the landmark Red Fort in New Delhi.
After turning the strikingly beautiful valley into a blood haven, Modi said that his government is committed in restoring Kashmir’s status as "heaven on earth".
He claimed that his government his determined to develop occupied Kashmir with goals to "educate the youth, give them jobs, include them in the mainstream, increase business and jobs, give them reasons to rejoice."
"You have every right to make your voices heard in Indian democracy,” he said to the Kashmiri youth.
Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world are observing India’s Independence Day as Black Day to convey the message to the international community that India has usurped their inalienable right to self-determination by the dint of force.
Modi also reiterated his false and baseless claim of what it called "surgical strikes" in Pakistan in September last year after insurgents attacked an army base on the Indian side of the Kashmir border, killing 18 soldiers. "Our security forces have always shown their capabilities whenever on duty. Whether it is terrorism or infiltrators, our security personnel have always been ready for sacrifice."
"When the surgical strike was carried out, the world came to know about the power that India possesses," Modi said in his speech.
India will fight foreign threats
India is strong enough to defend its borders against any threat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an Independence Day speech as the nation faces a frontier showdown with China.
"Security is our top priority," Modi told thousands as India marked the 70th anniversary of the end of British colonial rule.
"Be it the sea or the borders, cyber or space -- in all spheres, India is capable and we are strong enough to overcome those who try to act against our country," the Hindu nationalist leader declared.
Modi, who wore a Rajasthani turban with a long flowing orange train, toned down his comments from three previous Independence Day speeches and did not mention the targets of his warning.
But his remarks came as a dispute between India and China over a strategic Himalayan plateau enters a third month on Wednesday. Hundreds of soldiers are reported to be facing off against each other at Doklam.
The giant neighbours share a long history of mistrust and went to war in 1962 over the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.
China’s state-controlled media has repeatedly warned that a conflict could break out over Doklam.
India has urged a diplomatic solution to the standoff. The dispute started on June 16 when Chinese troops started to build a road on territory that it disputes with Bhutan. India troops moved in to stop the construction as India is a close ally of Bhutan.
Modi, who said he spoke with US President Donald Trump on the eve of the speech, said: "The concern for national security is a natural one in an independent India.”
