A mindset that promotes terrorism

A 'mindset' in South Asia encourages terrorism, says PM Modi

NEW DELHI: In a veiled attack on Pakistan Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said there is a "mindset" in South Asia which encourages and patronises terrorism.The Prime Minister's remarks came in the presence of Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina as the two leaders paid tributes to the heroes of 1971 war "I am very clear that along with India, its neighbouring countries should also move ahead on the path of development. We want development of the entire region. But there is a mentality in South Asia against this mindset., which has a value system which is not based on humanity, but on violence and extremism," the Prime Minister said during a function to honour the 1971 war heroes."The main aim (of this ideology) is to spread terrorism. A mindset in which policy makers feel terrorism is bigger than humanity, destruction is bigger than creation and betrayal is bigger than trust. This mentality is the biggest challenge to peace, social harmony and development. This mentality obstructs development in whole region," Modi said, adding, "India and Bangladesh are its victims.""We wish that citizens of all countries move towards development. But for this terrorism, terrorist mentality has to be abandoned."Earlier, PM Modi, along with and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina honoured the families of the Indian soldiers who were martyred in the 1971 war during the Sommanona Ceremony at Delhi's Manekshaw Centre."Today is a special day, it is the day to remember the martyrs of both India and Bangladesh," Modi saidPM Modi also praised PM Sheikh Hasina after what happened to her family and said, "16 of her family were murdered, but Sheikh Hasina stood still like a rock."He said that he has the same dream for India that he has for Bangladesh.Today, India and Bangladesh resolved to step up anti-terror cooperation with PM Modi terming spread of radicalism as a "grave threat", not only to the two countries but to the entire region.After talks with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina, Modi also announced a $500 million Line of Credit to support Bangladesh's military procurement."While our partnership brings prosperity to our people, it also works to protect them from forces of radicalisation and extremism. Their spread poses a grave threat, not just to India and Bangladesh but to the entire region."We have the greatest admiration for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's firm resolve in dealing with terrorism. Her government's 'zero-tolerance' policy towards terrorism is an inspiration for all of us," said Modi at a joint media event with Hasina.The Prime Minister also said both sides agreed that peace, security and development for people of the two countries and for the region will remain central engagement between the two neighbours."Today, we have also taken a long overdue step by signing an agreement on close cooperation between our armed forces. I am also happy to announce a line of credit of $ 500 million dollars to support Bangladesh's defence related procurement. In implementing this line of credit, we will be guided by Bangladesh's needs and priorities," he said.On her part, Hasina said her government will take all necessary steps to ensure peace and security along the Indo-Bangla border and asserted that there will be zero-tolerance against terror.Her comments came amid a spate of attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh.