Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said 'Operation Sindoor' was far from over. He warned that India would continue its fight against those who sponsor terrorism, asserting that Pakistan had already been hit ‘three times inside its home’. Addressing his first rally in West Bengal since the launch of ‘Operation Sindoor’ earlier this month, the PM invoked the region’s deep cultural and emotional connection with ‘sindoor’, referring to the traditional ritual of ‘Sindoor Khela’ observed by Bengali women during Durga Puja.
"Now that I am standing on the sacred land of 'Sindoor Khela', it is only right that we speak about a new resolve against terrorism - 'Operation Sindoor'," Modi said to loud cheers.
He added, "On April 22, the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam shook the nation. The pain and anger felt across West Bengal were deeply understood. I could feel your outrage. The terrorists dared to wipe off 'sindoor' from the foreheads of our sisters. But our brave soldiers made them realise the power of that sindoor'. From this land of Bengal, I, on behalf of 140 crore Indians, declare that 'Operation Sindoor' is not over yet." “Our army made them realise the power of 'sindoor'," he reiterated.
Highlighting India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, Modi said, "After the Pahalgam attack, India has told the world that if there is a terrorist attack on India, the enemy will have to pay a heavy price for it. Pakistan should understand that we have entered your house and killed you three times."
While the Prime Minister did not spell out the details of the three instances, his remarks are being widely interpreted as a reference to the 2016 surgical strikes following the Uri terror attack, the 2019 Balakot air strikes after the Pulwama bombing and the recent cross-border strikes as part of 'Operation Sindoor'.
In a direct rebuke to Islamabad's military establishment, the Prime Minister accused Pakistan of institutionalising terrorism. "Terrorism and mass murder are the biggest expertise of the Pakistani army because whenever there is an open war, they face defeat," he asserted.
The Prime Minister also invoked historical wounds, linking Pakistan's legacy of terrorism to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. "Ever since it came into existence, Pakistan has only nurtured terror. It has carried out terrorist attacks on India ever since Partition in 1947. After a few years, the terror it spread in our neighbourhood — present-day Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) — is also unforgettable," Modi said.
"No one can forget the way the Pakistan Army committed rapes and murders in East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) and the terror it had unleashed there," he added.
Modi concluded with a stern warning, saying India would relentlessly pursue terrorists across the border and ensure that enemies of peace face the consequences. "Pakistan, the country that nurtures terrorism, has nothing positive to offer to the world. Since its very inception, it has been a breeding ground for terror and violence. But India has changed. We no longer tolerate such cowardly acts. And Operation Sindoor is our firm answer," he declared.
Also Read: IAF Chief slams delays: 'Contracts signed, systems absent'
Multiple development projects on way
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Terminal Building of Jayprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna on Thursday evening. He was accompanied by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu. Built at a cost of around Rs 1,200 crore, the terminal will cater to one crore passengers annually.
On May 30, the PM will inaugurate, lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 48,520 crore in Karakat.
He will lay the foundation stone for the Nabinagar Super Thermal Power Project, Stage-II (3x800 MW) in Aurangabad district worth over Rs 29,930 crore, which will aim at ensuring energy security for Bihar and eastern India. It will boost industrial growth, create job opportunities and provide affordable electricity in the region.
Also Read: Rajnath Singh warns Pak: 'Could've done much more'
PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for various road projects, including the four-laning of the Patna-Arrah-Sasaram section of NH-119A, and the six-laning of the Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata highway (NH-319B) and Ramnagar-Kacchi Dargah stretch (NH-119D), and construction of a new Ganga bridge between Buxar and Bharauli.
These projects will create seamless high-speed corridors in the state and boost trade as well regional connectivity. He will also inaugurate the four-laning project of the Patna-Gaya-Dobhi section of NH-22, worth around Rs 5,520 crore, and the elevated highway and grade improvements at Gopalganj Town on NH-27. In line with his commitment to improving rail infrastructure across the country, the Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation the third rail line between Son Nagar-Mohammad Ganj worth over Rs 1,330 crore.
Also Read: We struck thrice, won’t hesitate now, Modi warns Pak
Follow us
