RSS Chief Suggests PM Modi’s Determination to Avenger Pahalgam Attack, Vows Protection for Citizens

RSS leader Mohan Bhagwat, who is driving a tough action against the latest Pahalgam terror strike, explained that even as non-violence forms a part of Indian philosophy, it is the responsibility of India to provide an education to perpetrators of violence.

Addressing the book launch ceremony of 'The Hindu Manifesto' at the Prime Minister's Museum on Saturday, Bhagwat stated that a sovereign is obligated to check the activities of evil-minded individuals and safeguard the well-being of his subjects.

"The sovereign will and must do his duty," he stated, which seemed to be a veiled reference to the determination of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to react to the Pahalgam terror attack, during which 26 individuals were murdered on April 22, and give Pakistan a befitting reply.

Bhagwat referred to ancient scriptures and mythology, citing the example of God vanquishing evil, to justify the argument that punishing a criminal is not violence but a religious duty.

Although not naming Pakistan, Bhagwat remembered that India has been overall peaceful with the neighbors. But when a human being acts as an evil-doer, the country has hardly any choice.

"Ever our culture has been to give a chance for correction to wrongdoers, even to enemies, short of punishment. But a sovereign cannot but act when the wrongdoer will not mend his ways or cease," he said.

Bhagwat also referred to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna instructs Arjun to equip himself and defeat evil in the Mahabharata and suggests that force can be used in certain exceptional circumstances.

Earlier, Bhagwat had made a statement about the Pahalgam attack where terrorists supposedly inquired about the victims' religion before they were murdered, again stating that Hindus would never commit an act like this.

We anticipate a strong response," Bhagwat said during a public event, three days following the chilling assault in Jammu and Kashmir that resulted in 26 fatalities.

The book 'The Hindu Manifesto' by Swami Vijnanananda, the founder of the Vishwa Hindu Congress, was released by Bhagwat. The book outlines a revolutionary path to prosperity, good governance, and justice in today's world based on the tried and tested principles of Dharma outlined in the ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Vedas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Arthashastra, and Shukranitisara.