A 370 led to terrorism; Patel's inspiration behind abrogation: PM Modi

Paying glowing tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on National Unity Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday defended abrogation of Article 370, saying special status provisions only generated terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Attending a function at Statue of Unity here on occasion of Patel's 144th birth anniversary, Modi led garing in taking `national unity pledge'.

" new system in Jammu and Kashmir and Lakh is t meant to draw a line on land (to draw a boundary) but to build a strong link of trust," prime minister said, apparently referring to bifurcation of state into two Union Territories.

Inspired by Patel, his government is working for "emotional, ecomic and constitutional integration" of country, without which it would be difficult to imagine a powerful India in 21st century, he said.

In a swipe at Pakistan, he said those "who cant win wars" against India are trying to destroy its unity.

" country took decision of abrogation of Article 370, which h only given separatism and terrorism to that state," Modi said.

RE | PM Modi Says 'Unity In Diversity Is Specialty And Pride Of India'

"Over 40,000 people lost ir lives in three deces of terrorism," he said, ding that it was Patel's inspiration which me him take decision to abrogate Article 370, and he dedicates decision "at feet of" first home minister of country.

"Patel h once said that h he handled Kashmir issue, it would t have taken so long to resolve it," Modi said, in a veiled swipe at Jawaharlal Nehru, country's first prime minister whom ruling BJP often blames for Kashmir issue.

"rth-East is w moving from separatism to attachment as deces-old problems are nearing resolution," Modi said, referring to his government's initiatives to bring peace to insurgency-affected region.

Without naming Pakistan, Modi said that some elements are trying to destroy unity in diversity of India by spreing separatism and terrorism, but even after "trying for centuries, body could annihilate us or defeat us".

"Unity in diversity is our pride and our identity, world is surprised by our unity despite so much diversity," Modi said.

"When we respect tritions and beliefs of different sects and religions, love and attachment (among people) increase," prime minister said.

RE | 'y Can't Win Wars But Are Trying To Divide Us': PM Modi Shames Pak

When Patel embarked on mission to merge over 500 princely states into India, "feeling of unity" inspired many rulers to join Indian union, he said.

"Centuries ago, India was united by Chanakya ( ancient philosopher who is said to be viser of emperor Chandragupta Maurya), and after that Sardar Patel did it," Modi said.

Sardar Patel's birth anniversary is celebrated as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' (National Unity Day) since 2014.

At function on occasion, wife of Naseer Ahmed, a CRPF jawan who was killed in February 2019 Pulwama terror attack, presented Modi with a replica of National Police Memorial which commemorates over 34,000 state and central police personnel who died in line of duty.

During function, prime minister offered floral tributes to Statue of Unity, considered to be world's tallest statue, as flower petals were showered on it from above by an Indian Air Force helicopter.

prime minister watched `Ekta pare' in which personnel of Gujarat Police, Jammu & Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force and Border Security Force took part.

Mock drill demonstrations were conducted by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), National Disaster Response Force and National Security Guard. 

RE | PM Modi To Pay Tribute To Sardar Patel At Statue Of Unity In Gujarat

RE | 'PM Modi- Angela Merkel Share Good Relation', Says German Envoy