Dhami Slams Past Govts Over Terrorism, Praises Centre for Defence
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami slams previous governments for inaction on terrorism while praising the Centre for OROP and defence reforms.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has launched a scathing critique of previous administrations, alleging that they were content with merely condemning terrorist acts rather than taking decisive action. Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister highlighted a significant shift in India's security posture under the current central government, emphasizing proactive measures against cross-border threats.
A Shift from Condemnation to Action
Dhami drew a sharp contrast between the strategic doctrines of the past and the present. He noted that before 2014, the nation often saw frequent attacks and acts of terrorism that were met with nothing more than verbal condemnations. However, he asserted that the current tenure has fundamentally changed this dynamic.
The Chief Minister cited several high-profile military operations as evidence of this new, robust approach. He specifically mentioned:
- Airstrikes
- Surgical strikes
- "Operation Sindoor"
According to Dhami, these actions have sent a "stern message" to terrorists, separatists, and jihadists, while simultaneously demonstrating India's growing strategic prowess and defence capabilities on the global stage.
Fulfilling Decades of Military Demands
Beyond combat operations, the Chief Minister focused heavily on the welfare of the armed forces. He credited the Prime Minister for addressing long-standing grievances that had been ignored for decades. A primary example highlighted was the implementation of the "One Rank One Pension" (OROP) scheme.
"The Prime Minister consistently worked to address the concerns, needs, and family welfare of military personnel, leading to the implementation of the 'One Rank One Pension' scheme, something the nation's soldiers and citizens had awaited for nearly 40 years," Dhami stated.
The OROP scheme is viewed as a landmark decision aimed at correcting historical disparities in pension benefits, ensuring that veterans who served with dedication receive fair and equal recognition in their post-service lives.
From Importer to Defence Exporter
The Chief Minister also touched upon the economic transformation of India's defence sector. He noted a massive transition in how the country handles its military requirements. While India was once heavily dependent on foreign nations for even basic weaponry, it has now emerged as a significant player in the global arms market.
Dhami pointed out that the domestic defence manufacturing sector has seen substantial growth, with India now supplying military hardware to numerous countries. He noted that these defence exports are now valued at thousands of crores, marking a new era of self-reliance and economic strength in the military domain.