Our fight is for Kashmir, not against Kashmiris

Jaipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the country’s fight was for Kashmir and not against the state as he condemned the attacks on Kashmiris in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.Paying tributes to the CRPF jawans killed in the terror attack, Modi said at a rally in Rajasthan’s Tonk that it was of utmost importance to take along the youth of Kashmir in the battle against terrorism as Kashmiris too were victims and must be protected.

“What happened to Kashmiri youths in the last few days…It does not matter whether the incident was small or big, such things should not happen. Kashmiri youths are victims of terror. Every child of Kashmir is with India in our fight against terror,” Modi said.He said that incidents like these “give power to the tukde, tukde gang” and their supporters. “It is the responsibility of every Indian to protect every laal (child) of Kashmir,” he said.

The Prime Minister had faced criticism, especially from the Opposition, for not speaking out against the attacks on Kashmiris and finally, the Supreme Court had to on Friday ask states and Union Territories to prevent attacks and calls of social boycott. After the SC prod, the Central government had on Friday night also issued a directive. The Prime Minister also issued a stern warning to Pakistan over the Pulwama attack, saying the new India would not hold back in its response to terrorism.