In this Issue
(February 15, 1999)
South Asia Region
India's Foreign Relations
Economy & Trade
Upcoming Events
Opinion
Feature: Interview with Jaswant Singh, External Affairs Minister
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Prime Minister's message to the nation on
Martyr's day
'Maintain and Strengthen Peace and Harmony'
January 30, 1999
My Dear Countrymen,
Today - the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's martyrdom - is a solemn day of remembrance for
us. We remember him and other great patriots who gave the best years of their lives, many
of them their very lives, for our beloved Motherland.
It is a day
For introspection
For resolve
For rededication
This year we observe this solemn day against an unhappy backdrop of sectarian violence -
terrorism that continues to claim innocent lives, the assault on nuns in Madhya Pradesh,
the attacks on religious places in Gujarat, the ghastly killings of Graham Stein and his
two sons in Orissa, and the brutal massacreof Dalits in Bihar.
The Nation cannot but be sad; we cannot but grieve.
Such violence violates our tradition and culture of tolerance. It goes against everything
that Gandhiji and our savants have taught us. Even in the dark days of foreign rule this
tradition was an article of faith with us. It goes against the very spirit of Sarva
PanthSamabhav, the cornerstone of the Republic of India.
In expressing anguish over these incidents, the President has spoken for the entire
nation. I have felt, and have said publicly that these incidents are an aberration; a blot
on our collective conscience.
There can be, and there are, differences of opinion in a rich and diverse democracy such
as ours, However, violence is not the instrument to express differences. Dialogue is.
As you all know, Gandhiji was intensely religious. For him questions of faith, of dharma,
were matters of life and death. He had delved deeply into the scriptures of all religious.
He used to have regular discussions with preachers of different faiths. They often
disagreed with each other, without affecting their personal relations. The point of view
of the other was heard respectfully, questions were asked, and clarifications given.
The point to remember on this sacred day is the Mahatma's message of truth and love, and
the method he employed.
Not violence on one side and spurning on the other.
But through debate and public discourse.
This is the only civilized way of resolving differences.
Our Constitution guarantees security for all. My Government is committed to this
guarantee. We are here to protect all sections of the people, irrespective of their
gender, caste, or faith.
Let no one be under any illusion: the laws of our land are clear, and they will be
enforced - without exception, and to the fullest degree - to punish those who violate this
sacred guarantee. Suspects have already been rounded up in Madhra Pradesh, and culprits
taken into custody in Gujarat. The situation in Bihar will be firmly dealt with.
We shall bring the criminals to book.
This is our duty. It is my pledge. My government will go to any length to keep this
pledge.
I believe that in such cases, we must ensure trial of the accused on a day-to-day basis.
Therefore, there are two immediate tasks - to shun violence and to bring the criminals
swifty to book.
Justice cannot and shall not be delayed.
There is a large reservoir of goodwill, understanding, and amity among the followers of
different religious.
We must resolve to enlarge and deepen this precious reservoir. This cannot be done by the
Government alone. Maintaining and further strengthening peace and harmony is also the
responsibility of citizens. I urge all of you, my dear sisters and brothers, to discharge
this responsibility unfailingly - in your own neighbourhood, workplace, village, town and
city.
As a mark of my own resolve to carry out my responsibility as a citizen and as the First
Servant of the Nation, I have undertaken a day's fast today. I know that I have been
joined by millions of my countrymen in this act of atonement and introspection.
Gandhiji used to say, "My life is my message" By cleansing our body and soul as
a homage to the Mahatma on his puniya tithi, let us rededicate ourselves to build the
India of his dreams.
Jai Hind |
