Preachers of hate threatening society, says PM

Nairobi, July 11: Amid the expanding footprint of ISIS across the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today warned that "preachers of hate and violence" are threatening the fabric of the society and asked the youth to build a counter narrative to extremist ideologies.

He also emphasised that those giving shelter to terrorists and using them as political instruments must be condemned, an apparent reference to Pakistan. Addressing the students at the University of Nairobi here, Modi pitched for a world free from terror and hate, saying safety and security of people and societies is essential for realising the benefits of the economic progress. "Preachers of hate and violence are threatening the fabric of our society," he said.

Underlining the need to counter radicalization, he said "Youth can play an important role in building a counter narrative to extremist ideologies." His comments assume significance in view of the expanding footprint of ISIS terror group, which is particularly attracting the youth through a campaign of radicalisation.

A recent case in point was the attack in Bangladesh some days back at a cafe by a group of six educated youth in which 22 people, mostly foreigners, were killed. Some of these six attackers were allegedly influenced by the controversial Indian Muslim preacher Zakir Naik, who gives sermons on a TV channel.

Apprehensions of some Indian youth getting attracted towards ISIS is also gaining ground with 15 youngsters from Kerala going missing mysteriously. The Prime Minister, while speaking about developmental strides, said, "A steady march towards our economic goals is indeed a priority. But, we also cannot ignore the safety of our people."

PTI