New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat Thursday appreciated the unity displayed by political parties in India in the wake of tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, and called on the government to be self-reliant in matters of national security.
“In this atmosphere of patriotism, forgetting their mutual rivalries, the competitors are helping each other—this is indeed a picture of ideal democracy. This should continue in the future as well,” the RSS chief said, while addressing the Karyakarta Vikas Varg-2, marking the conclusion of a volunteer training programme in Nagpur.
Bhagwat further urged society to remain vigilant and emphasised that India must become self-reliant in security matters. “New types of technologies should be researched,” he said.
He also praised the Modi government’s response to the Pahalgam attack, in which 26 tourists were shot dead by terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir.
“In the brutal attack that took place in Pahalgam, our country’s citizens were killed by terrorists. Naturally, we were sad and angry. Some action was taken in retaliation. In this entire episode, the capability and valour of our army was once again displayed,” said Bhagwat.
Highlighting how the political class and public had shown mutual understanding after the incident, he added: “By showcasing a long-awaited understanding and forgetting differences, the entire society created a great scene of unity. If this scene lasts forever, then it will be a great support for our country.”
Without naming Pakistan, Bhagwat said the neighbouring country, unable to defeat India directly, had resorted to terrorism and proxy wars.
“We got separated so that we could live peacefully. However, they started creating discord soon after the separation took place. The hypocrisy born out of the ghost of the two-nation theory must be checked… as long as the ghost of the two-nation theory exists, the threat to our national security will continue,” he said.
Urging all communities and classes to live in peace and harmony, the RSS chief said people should avoid internal conflict over petty matters.
“In any case, no section of society should fight with another section. We will have to maintain goodwill among ourselves. It is not right to become tyrants in an emotional state. Now, it is our (Indian) government, it is the government according to the Constitution of India. Therefore, we will have to give up using abusive language without any reason,” he added.
Bhagwat also reiterated the RSS’s position on religious conversion, stating that the organisation considers conversion to be a form of “violence” and is working to ensure that people are not lured or forced to change their religion.
Veteran politician from Chhattisgarh, Arvind Netam, who served under former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and P.V. Narasimha Rao, was the chief guest at the event.
Accepting Netam’s request to work in tribal areas to curb “rampant conversions”, Bhagwat stressed that the RSS views conversion as “violence.”
“We don’t have any differences with different religions and communities. Jesus, Mohammad, all are revered, and we also have respect for them. But everyone will follow their own religion. Those who changed their religion out of greed or by force and now want to come back, this too must be respected as it is a correction,” he said.
In his speech, Netam urged the RSS chief to press the central government for an action plan to prevent the resurgence of Naxalism.
Bhagwat concluded by noting that the nature of warfare has changed, and that battles are no longer fought face-to-face. “With changing technology, by sitting in a room you can push a button and unleash an attack with a drone,” he said, emphasising that real strength lies with the people in society.
(Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui)
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