PM Modi sends out strong message on intolerance
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NEW DELHI/LONDON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday issued a joint statement after their delegation-level bilateral meeting concluded.
After the joint statement was issued, Prime Minister Modi was asked a question by a foreign journalist on the incidents of growing intolerance in India which had been making headlines the past few months.
In reply, the PM said the government was committed to freedom of speech and there was no room for intolerance. He admitted some incidents had taken place, but in a strong message made it very clear 'India would not tolerate intolerance'.
"India's Constitution protects freedom and thoughts of every individual," the PM said.
"India is the land of Gandhi and Buddha, we are not an intolerant society and our culture does not accept anything that is against the basic social values," he added.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated that every incident of intolerance was taken seriously. "But for a country of 125 crore people whether it is significant or not, it does not matter. Every incident taking place in any corner of nation is a serious incident, law takes its course and strict action is taken," the PM said.
India is a vibrant democracy which under Constitution provides protection all citizens, their lives and thoughts. We are committed to it," the PM added.
A journalist from The Guardian newspaper later asked UK Prime Minister Cameron who was standing by Modi as to how comfortable he felt receiving Modi given the fact that during his (Cameron's) first tenure, Modi was not permitted to visit UK because of his record as Gujarat chief minister during the riots in the state.
The reporter also asked Modi about protests during the day on the streets of London saying he did not get the respect that would normally be accorded to the leader of the world's largest democracy given his record as Gujarat chief minister.
In response, Cameron said "I am pleased to welcome Modi. He comes here with an enormous and historic mandate. As far as the other issue is concerned, there were legal proceedings. Earlier today, he was received by the British government and I discussed with him how the two countries can work together."
On his part, Modi said about the "other issue" raised by the questioner, "I want to set the record straight."
"In 2003 when I came here I got an enthusiastic reception then too. The UK had never barred me from coming here. There was no bar. It is a wrong perception. I want to set it right."
After the joint statement was issued, Prime Minister Modi was asked a question by a foreign journalist on the incidents of growing intolerance in India which had been making headlines the past few months.
In reply, the PM said the government was committed to freedom of speech and there was no room for intolerance. He admitted some incidents had taken place, but in a strong message made it very clear 'India would not tolerate intolerance'.
"India's Constitution protects freedom and thoughts of every individual," the PM said.
"India is the land of Gandhi and Buddha, we are not an intolerant society and our culture does not accept anything that is against the basic social values," he added.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated that every incident of intolerance was taken seriously. "But for a country of 125 crore people whether it is significant or not, it does not matter. Every incident taking place in any corner of nation is a serious incident, law takes its course and strict action is taken," the PM said.
India is a vibrant democracy which under Constitution provides protection all citizens, their lives and thoughts. We are committed to it," the PM added.
A journalist from The Guardian newspaper later asked UK Prime Minister Cameron who was standing by Modi as to how comfortable he felt receiving Modi given the fact that during his (Cameron's) first tenure, Modi was not permitted to visit UK because of his record as Gujarat chief minister during the riots in the state.
The reporter also asked Modi about protests during the day on the streets of London saying he did not get the respect that would normally be accorded to the leader of the world's largest democracy given his record as Gujarat chief minister.
In response, Cameron said "I am pleased to welcome Modi. He comes here with an enormous and historic mandate. As far as the other issue is concerned, there were legal proceedings. Earlier today, he was received by the British government and I discussed with him how the two countries can work together."
On his part, Modi said about the "other issue" raised by the questioner, "I want to set the record straight."
"In 2003 when I came here I got an enthusiastic reception then too. The UK had never barred me from coming here. There was no bar. It is a wrong perception. I want to set it right."
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