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PM Modi addresses terrorism and Sikkim's growth potential in Bagdogra, Bengal

PM Modi addresses terrorism and Sikkim's growth potential in Bagdogra, Bengal

Economic Times6 days ago

Bagdogra, May 29 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam was an assault on humanity itself, but India's swift and precise response through Operation Sindoor has dealt a decisive blow to terrorism and exposed Pakistan on the global stage.
Synopsis Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Sikkim's statehood celebrations from Bagdogra. He condemned the Pahalgam attack as an assault on humanity. Modi asserted India's unity and resolve against terrorism. He highlighted the destruction of terror hubs in Pakistan. The PM emphasized Sikkim's tourism potential and envisioned its growth as a green model state. Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said in Bengal's Bagdogra that terrorists not only attacked humanity and brotherhood in India but there was an attempt to divide Indians but India showed resolute strength and remained united, speaking about the Pahalgam attack.
ADVERTISEMENT Modi reached Bagdogra airport on Thursday morning to attend Sikkim's 50th statehood celebration but could not fly to Sikkim due to inclement weather. The PM addressed the people of Sikkim virtually from Bagdogra today.
"What terrorists did in Pahalgam, it was not only an attack on Indians but an attack on faith on humanity and brotherhood. Terrorists have snatched happiness from so many families and tried to divide the Indians. The whole world can see India is more united. Becoming united, we gave a clear message," the Prime Minister said from Bagdogra today while addressing the 50th statehood celebrations of Sikkim.
"The terrorists have erased sindoor from our daughters. We have given a befitting reply to Pakistan. Terror hubs in Pakistan decimated. They tried to attack our citizens and army bases. We have destroyed their airbases...how India can do and how quick can it do and to what extent it can do- it has been shown," Modi reaffirmed.The Prime Minister spoke about Sikkim's growth potential in tourism and various other sectors. "In the next 25 years, Sikkim will be given great height. Sikkim is tourism's complete package. Here we have spiritualism, beauty and culture. There is potential adventure tourism, high altitude trekking and so on. Sikkim will reach the height of growth and it will become a green model state for the world. A state which will progress in organic food export, a state where digital transactions will boom," the PM said."People of Sikkim know the power of tourism. Tourism is not only entertainment but a symbol of diversity," he said.
ADVERTISEMENT "It is my dream to make Sikkim a hub for conference tourism and concept tourism," the PM said, adding, "India will become a superpower and Sikkim will contribute to its growth. There is a huge focus on North Eastern states. Recently, there was an NE investment summit in Delhi. Various projects for Sikkim and its development are being undertaken. Atal Setu has made communication with Darjeeling at ease and work is on to connect Kalimpong. Bagdogra -Gangtok Expressway will soon come up"
He inaugurated key development projects, including a 500-bed hospital, a mega sports complex and a passenger ropeway. Locals assembled in large numbers and welcomed him, showcasing their culture and preparations.
ADVERTISEMENT "In Gangtok, an upcoming Sports Complex will become a hub for bringing out new sports talents and help India reach the Olympic podium. This land gave us Baichun Bhutia. Sikkim's every nook and corner gives us many more sports talents," the PM pointed out.
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