Enemies of humanity carried out attack in Pathankot: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said "enemies of humanity" who could not digest India's progress carried out the attack in Pathankot.

Modi assured that the defence forces had the strength to defeat "the evil designs of our enemy."

"...our security forces did not let them succeed: Proud of our jawans and security forces," he said here, referring to Pakistani terrorists' pre-dawn strike at the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot in Punjab.

The fierce gunbattle claimed the lives of three securitymen, while five infiltrators were killed, with the terror strike coming days after Modi's surprise stopover in Lahore in signs of thawing of relations with Pakistan.

"Enemies of humanity who can't see India progress tried to strike at our strategic area, a prominent airbase at Pathankot. I appreciate our armed forces and thank them for foiling our enemy's attempt," Modi said, adding "our security forces did not let them succeed."

"I want to assure our countrymen that our armed forces have the strength to defeat the evil designs of our enemy," he said.

Congratulating the armed forces "who are always ready to protect the country", he said if the country speaks out with unity, the "ill will of our enemies will get destroyed."

"I feel proud of our armed forces,” said the prime minister in his speech at the birth centenary celebrations of Dr.Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji of Suttur Mutt which runs a string of educational institutions benefitting nearly a lakh students.

In his speech at the event, Modi said the 21st century is the century of knowledge.

"The one with more knowledge and information will influence the world", he said.

It is the saints who have understood what the 21st century is about, said the prime minister as he laid the foundation for a Knowledge Resource Centre at the Mutt.

"...rishis, saints, seers, Mutts... they have done so much for society. Sadly, some people have only believed in criticising," Modi said.

"These saints, seers...they overcame so much opposition and ensured evils were removed from society: Whenever the need came, a new strength always emerged from our society...," Modi said.

Speaking at another event, Modi said work of saints, seers and rishis had always been for the welfare of society.

Image: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing at birthday centenary celebrations of HH Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji of Sri Suttur Math in Mysore Karnataka. Photograph: PTI