DHAR: A “tearful” Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) commander’s rant in public about the price his outfit had to pay for being Islamabad’s proxy against India is further proof of “Indian soldiers bringing Pakistan to its knees in the blink of an eye” during Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday, alluding to an undated viral video purportedly showing the terrorist speaking at a religious event.”Just yesterday, the nation and the world witnessed another Pakistani terrorist tearfully recount his ordeal,” Modi said at the foundation ceremony of India’s first PM MITRA Park at Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar, coinciding with his 75th birthday.”Terrorists from Pakistan took away the sindoor of our sisters and daughters. We destroyed their terror hideouts with Operation Sindoor. This is the new India; it is not afraid of anyone’s nuclear threats. This is new India; it enters the enemy’s house and kills,” the PM said.In the video circulating on social media, a man identified as JeM commander Masood Ilyas Kashmiri speaks about founder Masood Azhar’s family being “torn into pieces” during an airstrike by Indian forces on the outfit’s hub in Pakistan’s Bahawalpur on May 7.Describing Sept 17 as “a historic day” for more reasons than one – he had begun his speech by invoking the Hindu deity of skill and craft on Vishwakarma Puja – PM Modi paid tribute to the Indian Army for “liberating” Hyderabad on this day in 1948 under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s leadership. “For decades, this monumental achievement and the bravery of our soldiers were forgotten. Our govt has now immortalised it by declaring Sept 17 as Hyderabad Liberation Day. A grand programme is being organised in Hyderabad,” he said.Modi launched the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar campaign and a few other initiatives aimed at improving women’s health and promoting nutrition.”This land of Dhar has always been the soil of valour and inspiration, drawing strength from the legacy of Raja Bhoj and Maharishi Dadhichi. Today, the nation accords the highest priority to the security of Mother India,” he said. “I am requesting all mothers and sisters today, please take some time out for your health, too.”Referring to the reduction in GST slabs with effect from Sept 22, the first day of Navratri, the PM appealed to all to embrace the “Swadeshi” spirit. “Whatever you buy, let it be made in India. Every rupee spent on Swadeshi strengthens the nation, builds schools and hospitals, and fulfils the dreams of our youth,” he said.He urged traders to display boards outside shops mentioning local products.
