Time for decisive battle against terror: PM Modi at Dubai

Dubai, Aug 18: Pitching for a "decisive battle" against terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight asked countries to choose if they are with sponsors of the menace or against them as he underlined that dialogue is the only way to resolve all issues with neighbours.

Modi, without naming Pakistan, said that India wants good relations with all neighbouring countries. "I keep telling all neighbouring countries that like all people who have chosen the path of violence will have to come to the dialogue table at some point of time, similarly dialogue is the only way to resolve issues."

The Prime Minister, who wrapped up his two-day visit to UAE, told a gathering of around 50,000 Indians at the Dubai International Cricket stadium that the message of collective fight against terrorism which has emanated from here will be "understood" by those sponsoring terrorism, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

"Samajnewale samajh jayenge. Akalmand ko ishara kaafi hai (Those who need to understand will get the message. Signal is enough for them. Those involved in terrorism must be punished and this message has come out clearly from here," he said while referring to the India-UAE joint statement which talked about collective fight against terrorism.

Speaking just ahead of the NSA-level talks with Pakistan on August 23, Modi said India has been a victim of terrorism for last 40 years, with innocent people being killed but the world has realised its impact only now.

"Terrorism does not have any boundary... Everyone will have to decide whether they are with terrorism or against it," the Prime Minister said in his 70-minute address.

He said "false distinction" between good terrorism and bad terrorism will not work and action must be taken against all those involved in perpetrating violence.

"Good Taliban, bad Taliban. Good terror, bad terror...This won't work. Time has come now for a decisive battle between those supporting terrorism and those believing in humanity," he said.

PTI