RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat warns Pakistan not to test India's tolerance, backs surgical strikes

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday addressed his cadre on the 91st Foundation Day of the outfit.

Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday accused Pakistan of encouraging separatist forces in Jammu and Kashmir and demanded strict action against people indulging in violence.

"Pakistan is encouraging separatist forces in Kashmir. A large part of Kashmir is free of tension; we must act against those indulging in violence, strict action should be taken," Bhagwat said while lauding Indian Army for surgical strikes across the LoC.

"Pakistan has got the message that there is a limit to our tolerance," he said during his annual Vijayadashami speech at the Reshimbagh Ground here on 91st foundation day of RSS.

Bhagwat also sent a message to the hostile neighbour that Kashmir is an integral part of India and so is Gilgit-Baltistan. "Entire Kashmir including Mirpur, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit-Baltistan belongs to India", he said.

Commending the Indian Army for successfully carrying out surgical strikes across the Line of Control against terrorist launch pads, Bhagwat also used the opportunity to hail the Narendra Modi government at Centre for working for country's progress. 

"I heartily congratulate our Government and our valorous soldiers and all the wings of our Armed Forces for carrying out surgical strikes. The government at Centre has taken a commendable step by carrying out surgical strikes at LoC. However, our borders should be guarded and well managed," he said.

"India is progressing under Prime Minister Narendra Modi; however, there are some parts of the world which do not want to see India progress," he said in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

Asserting that Gau rakshaks (cow protectors) operate within the ambit of rule of law, the RSS chief said that 'gau raksha' is an integral part of the Constitution and added that there are some divisive forces in the country who are bent on portraying the members of the community in a negative light.

"Small farmers are dependent on cows and their progeny. There are cow protection laws in various states. Many communities like Jains are involved in gau-raksha. Gau-rakshaks are good people but they should work under the law and Constitution," he said. 

Bhagwat asserted that "there is a need to identify real gau-rakshaks from the fake ones since an attempt is being made by some forces to mislead the entire nation. "We need to be careful against these divisive forces. We need to unite society so that such elements do not take advantage."

RSS was founded on the occasion of Vijayadashami in 1925. There is a visible departure from tradition this time - RSS workers were officially donning their new outfit, replacing khaki shorts with brown trousers.

Every year, Bhagwat's outlines his message to his cadre on Dussehra. His speech is also seen as a message to the saffron party. Present at the event were Transport and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Maharashtra: RSS #Vijayadashami celebrations underway in Nagpur, Mohan Bhagwat, Union Min. Nitin Gadkari & Maha CM Devendra Fadnavis present pic.twitter.com/5r6Av5ABQY

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 11, 2016