PM Narendra Modi paid his tribute to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, one of the key architects of Independent India. He was attending an event to mark India’s first home minister’s 144th anniversary. The day is also celebrated as National Unity Day.
Speaking on the occasion at a ground in Gujarat’s Kevadia, adjacent to Patel’s 182-metre long Statue of Unity- the world’s tallest, PM Modi spoke about article 370 and said that it was the fulfilment of Sardar Vallabh bhai Patel’s dream project to unite India.
He further added that Article 370 had created “an artificial wall” separating Jammu & Kashmir from the rest of the country.
Today also marks the day when J&K and Ladakh have officially become union territories. PM Modi also said that with this new change, they will ensure that ‘new highways, railway lines, new hospitals, new colleges will take people of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh to new heights.’
“In three decades, over 40,000 people had lost their lives due to terrorism in J&K that had Article 370. How long could the country witness the death of so many innocent people? The wall has been broken down, and Sardar Patel’s dream has come true.” PM Modi said after watching Ekta Diwas Parade in a ground in Gujarat’s Kevadia, adjacent to Patel’s 182-metre long Statue of Unity- the world’s tallest.
Prime Minister added that Sardar Patel had said he would have sorted out the J&K problem, had he been given the responsibility for its integration.
He also hinted at Pakistan for the terrorist activities it involves itself in.
“Those who can’t defeat us in wars are trying to make a dent in our age-old unity by stoking separatism and terrorism. Such forces forget that they have been defeated in the past by our unity. 130-crore united Indians need to fight such forces and that alone will be the true tribute to Patel.”
He emphasized on the point that unity in diversity was integral to India’s identity. He said that the fact that we have so many different cultures, languages and religions, should make us proud Indians.