Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday morning unfurled the Tricolour and addressed the nation continuously seventh time at the historic Red Fort following the custom of Independence Day.
He has now become the third PM after Late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru (17th times) and her daughter Late Smt. Indira Gandhi (16th times) who had unfurled the Tricolour most of the time at this historic fort. He has surpassed Atal Bihari Vajpayee who got this chance six times.
Following the custom of the Independence Day Manmohan Singh today greeted the nations on marking the 64th anniversary day of India's Independence. Addressing to 1.2billion Indians PM pointed out several key issues including Indo-Pak relationship, terrorism, naxalism, Commonwealth Games, violence in Kashmir, cloud burst in Ladhakh, poverty and inflation.
At the very beginning of his speech, PM recalled India's first Prime Minister Pt. Nehru's first speech on which he called himself 'the first servant of India.'
"I address you today in the same spirit of service," said Manmohan.
Expressing condolence to the kin and relatives of the Ladhakh victims who lost their lives due to cloud bursts few days ago, PM said that the Central Government would do everything possible for rehabilitation of the affected people.
He also pointed out the violence in Kashmir, in which dozens of civilians died. PM stated in his speech, "Recently, some young men have lost their lives in violence in Jammu and Kashmir. We deeply regret this."
"The years of violence should now end. Such violence would not benefit anyone," he added.
He expressed his ardent interest to sort out this problem as soon as possible.
Warning to the neighbourhood country, Singh said that the dialogue between India and Pakistan could not go further until Pakistan scrap the support to terrorism.
Speaking over the issue of Naxalism, Prime Minister said that Naxalism was a serious challenge to our internal security and Centre and States would have to work together to tackle the problem. He also appealed to the Naxalities to come forward to talk to the government as government was in a great interest to restore the internal peace in the country and lead the nation at the path of development.
Appealing to Adivasis of the Naxalities area, PM said that his adivasi brothers and sisters should join the mainstream of development. He ensured to provide the adequate compensation for the acquired land from them apart form providing a stake in the developmental project being undertaken.
Pointing out the problem of rising inflation, PM said, "in the last few months high inflation has caused you difficulties. It is the poor who are the worst affected by rising prices, especially when the prices of commodities of everyday use like food grains, pulses, vegetables increase. It is for this reason that we have endeavored to minimize the burden of increased prices on the poor."
He assured to do all possible efforts to cool down the rising inflation very soon.
Mentioning to Commonwealth Games a very crucial event for India, PM said that after successfully completing the event, India would give another signal to the world that India is rapidly marching ahead with confidence.
Besides these issues, Prime Minister also spoke over the worsening culture in Indian politics, the growth of India and achievements of the UPA government in last seven years of UPA government.
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