NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh called for unanimity in approach, across the party lines, regardless of political affiliations or beliefs, to defeat the menace of terrorism. He was interacting with representatives of Nepali Gorkha community who called on him to discuss issues related to country’s security, terrorism and sustenance of India’s patriotic and cultural ethos for which the community has a long history of struggle and sacrifice.
Dr. Jitendra, who could not undertake his scheduled tour to Kishtwar on the second consecutive day today, because of inclement weather and road landslides, complimented the people of Kishtwar for not falling prey to mischievous designs and said that there are right-thinking citizens in all communities who have credibility and capacity to motivate the society to move forward along with the rest of India in its journey on the road to global progress and growth.
For the first time in many years, Dr. Singh said, there is no mincing of words as far as India’s stand vis-a-vis terrorism and Pakistan is concerned.
This is evident from the fact that Home Minister Rajnath Singh, during the SAARC Summit at Islamabad, used the same phrase and vocabulary which he has been reiterating in New Delhi. This is also the reflection of Modi Government’s clarity and consistence on the issue, he added.
Dr. Jitendra said, the youth who have been misguided in the name of so-called “Jehad” and given to militancy, are actually the children of innocent masses whereas the protagonists of the so-called Azadi movement have safely lodged their own children in safe havens in India’s metros and abroad.
Children are children regardless of their religion or parentage, said Dr. Singh and called upon elders and opinion-makers from all communities to come forward and contribute their might in defeating this design.
Complimenting the Nepali Gorkha community for their exemplary bravery and sacrifice whenever there was an assault on India’s integrity, Dr Jitendra Singh suggested initiating a process of group meetings among civil society in different parts of the country, in which representatives of Nepali Gorkha community along with other Indian communities could play a constructive role.
Prominent among the Nepali Gorkha representatives who met the minister, included Ashok Chaurasia, Govind Pokhrel, Ghanashyam Sharna, Bin Bahadur, Shekhar Kunwar, Gunanidhi Gaire and K.B. Thapa.