What we were waiting for has happened: Bhagwat on surgical strikes
Endorsing the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army on terrorists across the Line of Control, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said what the nation was waiting for has taken place.
Endorsing the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army on terrorists across the Line of Control, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said what the nation was waiting for has taken place.
The RSS chief’s approval of the strikes against seven terror launchpads — that ended early on Thursday morning — came days after the Sangh announced it would back the government’s Pakistan policy. It is also in line with its demand for “firm and conclusive” action against sponsors of terrorism.
Speaking at the millennial celebrations of Abhinavgupt, Shaivite philosopher from Kashmir, Bhagwat said: “Humsab ke man mein jis baat ki prateeksha thi, vo ho gayi hai.” (What we were waiting for in our hearts has happened.)
Without naming the army or the government, he extended his felicitations for the strikes that India claims inflicted “significant casualties” on the terrorists.
A senior Sangh functionary who was also present on the occasion said the government had paid heed to the “mood of the nation”. He said the strikes were in conformity with the “sentiments” of the people, upset by the terror attacks allegedly perpetrated by Pakistan.
Following the September 18 Uri attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 18 soldiers, the Sangh had issued a statement calling for “firm and conclusive” action to deal with “terrorists, their masters and supporters”.
Bhagwat also made an oblique reference to the opposition in the Kashmir Valley to Abhinavgupt celebrations and the demand for opening the Beerwa cave where he is said to have renounced the world.
“We cannot forget personalities like him. He was not just a teacher, but an amazing expert on art and aesthetics. We talk so much about Kashmiriyat, but if those who know about and believe in Abhinavagupt are not there in Kashmir then how can Kashmiriyat exist there,” he said.
Sri Sri Ravishankar of the Art of Living — who shared the stage with Bhagwat — said the Prime Minister, in choosing to deal with Pakistan, has shown both “josh and hosh” (might without losing control).
He said for peace, both shastra (weapons) and shastra (scriptures) are needed.
“When Maharishi Vishwamitra did a yajna for world peace, even he needed protection from impediments. After Lord Ram gave him protection, then did the yajna proceed,” he said.
He added that the terrorists were impediments in India’s efforts for world peace and have been “shown their place”.
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