Uri attack: Those fighting terror should be awarded, says Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu

Mumbai: Condemning the Uri terror attack that left 18 Army personnel dead and several others injured, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Monday said those fighting terrorism should also be felicitated.

Speaking at the Priyadarshini Global Awards 2016 function here, he said the organisers should also consider honouring the people who have fought against terrorism.

"I stand with my countrymen to condemn the heinous attack on our soldiers. As we felicitate different personalities for their contribution in their fields, I feel we should also think about an award for someone who fights terrorism," he said.

"When the first peace prize was announced by the Nobel committee, they wouldn't have even comprehended or imagined that what peace would really mean and how people could destroy it. So I think we need to distribute such an award," he added.

Noted scientist and chairman of ISRO A S Kiran Kumar received the award for the space agency's outstanding contribution to development of space science and technology, while Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif was presented the Smita Patil Memorial Award for Best Actor. Actress Juhi Chawla was honoured for her outstanding role in promoting social causes.

The Ramakrishna Bajaj Memorial Global Award was presented to Anshu Gupta, Founder-Director of Delhi-based NGO Goonj, for his outstanding contribution in promoting the dignity of poor, while Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, the India-born Nobel Prize-winning scientist, was presented the Priyadarshini Academy Global Award.

Along with Prabhu, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari was present during the felicitation event.