New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS): The Indian Army doesn't speak, it acts to show valour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday, recalling the September 18 cross-border terror attack on a military base in Jammu and Kashmir and vowed that perpetrators of the "cowardly act" that left 18 soldiers dead won't go unpunished.
"Recently, we lost 18 soldiers in a terror attack in Uri. I pay my tribute to these martyrs. There is anger in the country. This cowardly act was enough to shake the nation," Modi said, opening his monthly radio broadcast 'Mann ki Baat' by remembering the fallen men.
India has said the militants who attacked the army camp in Uri had come from across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan.
Islamabad has denied the allegation even as New Delhi says it has incriminating evidences to prove that the four attackers, who were killed in the Uri gunfight, belonged to the Jaish-e-Mohammed and had come from Pakistan.
Modi reiterated his government's resolve to punish those who masterminded the attack.
"The perpetrators of these attacks will be punished for sure. We have full confidence in the Indian Army and are proud of them. While politicians speak, military acts to show valour. We are proud of our army," the Prime Minister said.
Modi said a Class 11 student named Harshvardhan who was disturbed by the Uri attack had written to him saying he wanted to do something for the country.
"He was angry. But he pledged to study for three more hours daily, be a good citizen and serve the nation," Modi said, adding the boy's constructive and healthy thinking was inspiring for all.
The attack at the army base near the de facto border with Pakistan came as the Kashmir Valley is battling the deadliest unrest in six years that has left 90 people dead since the July 8 killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.
Normal life remained disrupted for the 80th day in a row on Sunday. Schools, colleges, offices and other businesses have closed due the turmoil and there are no signs of respite from daily protests and separatist called shutdown.
Modi referred to the hardships being faced by Kashmiri people due to the unrest and said people of the valley have begun recognizing "anti-nationals".
"Today, I want to speak to the people of Kashmir. They have started recognising those who oppose our country. They want their life to get back on track. All of us know that peace and unity is the only solution to our problems. This has begun (in Kashmir)."
"The security of the people of Kashmir is the responsibility of the administration. The administration has to take steps to maintain that," Modi added
He said parents in the valley were worried about the future of their children who have not been to schools in the last nearly three months.
"Farmers are also worried about their crops which have ripened. They are keen that their products and fruit crops reach other parts of the Indian market," he said.