PM Narendra Modi Condemns Religious Violence on 71st Indian Independence Day, Warns “Will Not Accept Violence In The Name Of Faith”

• India celebrates 71st Independence Day
• Indian PM Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort
• "We cannot accept violence in the name of faith," said PM Modi in his address to the countrymen

New Delhi, August 15, 2017: As India celebrates its 71st Independence Day, the countrymen alike waited for the dynamic Indian Prime Minister's address to the nation. Pitching for harmony and peace in his address today, the Indian Prime Minister condemned violence in the name of astha (faith).

Following the unfurling of the national flag at Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi began his address to fellow Indians with the aspiration of building a 'new India', emphasizing that the country dwells upon concepts of equality and no distinctions should be made amongst people.

Throughout his address, the Indian Prime Minister touched upon issues that have been relevant in the Indian Diaspora in the last couple of months including the turmoil in Kashmir, Gorakhpur tragedy, demonetization, and triple talaq.

Referring to the persisting unrest in Kashmir, PM Modi spoke about the gali (abuse) and goli (bullet) association, asserting that these will not help resolve the issue. He emphasized on the need to embrace all Kashmiris.

Talking about violence, he also added that the country will show no mercy to terrorists, however they are free to enter the mainstream and have their issues addressed. PM Modi further stressed about countering the ill plaguing the world today saying that with India's rising stature, it is supported in its stand to fight the menace of terrorism by the entire world.

ALSO READ: India Celebrates its 71st Independence Day: What People Want Freedom From?

In his nationwide address from the Red Fort, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also asserted that violence in the name of astha (faith) will not be accepted, calling casteism and communalism "poison" for the country.

This comes in a context where an increasing number of mob lynching cases have taken place, witnessing outrage in the country.

Touching upon the issue of casteism and religion, the PM asserted that India is a country of "shanti, ekta and sadbhavna" (peace, unity and goodwill) and that distinction on caste, community or religion, will not help us in our entirety.

As part of religious violence, religion acts either as the subject or the object of violent behavior. It is either motivated by, or is a reaction to religious beliefs, texts or doctrines. Contrary to popular notion, religious violence does not only refer to acts committed by religious groups, but also include attacks on religious groups. In the last few months, there have been significant such cases reported in India, including cases of mob lynching and attacks by cow vigilantes.

"There is no place for intolerance in today's India; this is the land of Gandhi and Buddha" said PM Modi underlying that it is in the culture of the nation to walk collectively and peacefully on the path to development.

In his address, the Indian Prime Minister also asserted that the country had previously operated on the lines of "Bharat Chhodo" (Quit India) but now, that has transformed to "Bharat Jodo" (Unite India).