Independence Day 2023: PM Modi appeals for peace in Manipur from ramparts of Red Fort

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat and hoisted the national flag at the ramparts of Red Fort on the occasion of 77th Independence Day, on Tuesday. He delivered his 'customary address' to the nation, for the tenth consecutive time, and appealed for peace in strife-torn Manipur. 

While appealing to the people of the northeastern state of resolution through peace, he said, "The country stands with the people of Manipur...Resolution can be found through peace only. The government are making all efforts to find a resolution."

'India stands with Manipur' 

PM Modi emphasised the wave of violence that rocked the northeastern state and mentioned about the people who lost lives in the ethnic violence. He said, "In the last few weeks, Manipur witnessed a wave of violence. Several people lost their lives and our mothers and sisters were dishonoured. But, peace is slowly returning to the region. India stands with Manipur." 

Expressing sympathy towards people affected by the monsoon-related crisis, the PM also assured that the state and central government will work together to overcome the challenges. "This year, several states of the country have witnessed unimaginable crises due to natural calamity. I express my sympathy to all the affected families and assure them that state and central governments will work together to overcome this challenge," said PM Modi in his Independence Day speech from Red Fort.

Independence Day 2023: PM Modi to youth

Making special mention of the youth of India, PM Modi said, "There is no dearth of opportunities in the country. The country has the ability to provide endless opportunities." Adding that the ball is in India's court and the country should not let go of the opportunity, PM Modi said, "No ifs and buts on anyone's mind about India's capabilities." 

"I can see that the country has an opportunity before it; this is the first year of Amrit Kaal - we are either living in our youth or have taken birth in the lap of Maa Bharti. What we do in this era, the steps we take, the decisions we make, will decide the golden history of the country," added PM Modi at the ramparts of Red Fort on the occasion of 77th Independence Day.