Article 370 walls broken forever, Operation Sindoor marks bold anti-terror response: PM Modi

New Delhi, Aug 15: Marking his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the historic Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated key milestones of his government, including the scrapping of Article 370 and the success of Operation Sindoor, calling them landmark moments in India’s modern history.

Addressing a gathering of over 5,000 special invitees, from national athletes to grassroots representatives, PM Modi declared that the “wall of Article 370 has been broken,” affirming the vision of “One Nation, One Constitution.” He paid tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, whose legacy, he said, lives on in the unification of the Indian Constitution across all regions.

“By removing Article 370, we upheld the dream of one India,” Modi said, adding that the move honoured the sacrifice of Mookerjee, who he described as the first martyr for the Indian Constitution.

The Prime Minister also commemorated the 125th birth anniversary of Mookerjee, lauding his contributions to India’s political and cultural framework. As songs of freedom echoed across the country, Modi praised the overwhelming display of patriotism under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, calling the nationwide tricolor movement a symbol of unity from the deserts to the Himalayan frontiers.

This year’s Independence Day was also marked by the unveiling of Operation Sindoor, a powerful military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left the nation in shock. PM Modi revealed that within hours of the tragedy, full operational freedom was granted to the armed forces, leading to a swift, strategic strike on terror launch pads across the border.

“The retaliation was a blow beyond imagination for those who support terror. This is the new normal,” Modi declared, underlining India’s right to respond on its own terms. While avoiding direct mention of Pakistan, the Prime Minister left little ambiguity about the source of cross-border threats.

Operation Sindoor’s emblem was prominently displayed beside the national flag, symbolizing not just military strength, but India’s growing defence self-reliance. Modi emphasized that indigenously developed weapons played a decisive role in the strike, shocking adversaries with their precision.

The Prime Minister also addressed the recent natural disasters, expressing solidarity with affected families and assuring ongoing joint relief efforts by the central and state governments.

“India stands united, in pain, in pride, and in purpose,” he concluded, saluting the resilience of its people and the valour of its armed forces.(KNS).