Proud that Wing Commander is from Tamil Nadu: PM Modi in Kanyakumari

While speaking in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari at the inauguration of several projects, Prime Minister Modi on Friday hailed the contribution of the southern state.

Referring to the IAF Pilot held in captive in Pakistan he said every Indian was proud that the brave Wing Commander was from Tamil Nadu. He further added that the country's first woman Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is also from Tamil Nadu.

"Every Indian is proud that the brave Wing Commander is from Tamil Nadu. I am proud that India’s first woman Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is from Tamil Nadu, " he said.

PM Modi's who was in Kanyakumari to inaugurate the foundation stone for the extension of a railway line from Rameswaram-Dhanushkodi and a new bridge replacing old Pamban bridge said, "The foundation stone of a railway line between Rameshwaram - Dhanushkodi has also been laid today. This line got damaged after the disaster of 1964 but for over fifty years, no attention was paid to this line".

"I have flagged off the fastest train Tejas between Madurai - Chennai and the train is a great example of 'Make in India,' having been manufactured in the Integral Coach factory of Chennai itself," he said.

Referring to the huge mandate of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections which led to the massive victory of his party, PM Modi said," The great Tiruvalluvar said 'When the rare chance comes, seize it to do the rare deed.' In 2014, it was after thirty years that a Party got a full majority in the Parliament. The people’s message was clear- they wanted a government that takes bold and tough decisions".

The PM also said that the government was "most sensitive" to the safety and well-being of fishermen. "Due to sustained diplomatic efforts, since May 2014, hundreds of fishermen have been released by Sri Lankan authorities".

Talking about terrorism he said the country has been facing the menace of terrorism for years now however it will no longer be "helpless" in the wake of terror now.

"There is a big difference now- India will no longer be helpless in the wake of terror. From 2004 to 2014 there were several terror attacks. The nation expected perpetrators to be punished but nothing happened".

"26/11 happened, India expected action against terrorists but nothing happened. Uri happened and you saw what our brave men did. Pulwama happened and you saw what our brave men did. I salute all those who are serving the nation. Their vigilance keeps our nation secure," he said.

"There was a time when the news reports would read- Air Force wanted to do surgical strike after 26/11 but UPA blocked it. Today, we are in an era where the news reads- Armed forces have full freedom to do what they want".

The prime minister assured that the Influence of terrorists and terrorism has been curtailed and it is going to be curtailed even more.

"This is a New India. This is an India that will return the damage done by terrorists with interest".