New Delhi: Since the big currency ban, terror funding has come down to zero and there hasn’t been stone-throwing on security forces in Kashmir, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Monday.
“Earlier, there were rates — Rs 500 for stone pelting (on security forces in Kashmir) and Rs 1,000 for doing something else. PM has brought terror funding to zero,” Mr Parrikar said at an event organised by BJP lawmaker Atul Bhatkhalkar.
“In the last few days after the PM’s daring move there hasn’t been stone pelting on security forces. I congratulate PM for it,” he added.
Meanwhile, reports citing MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) sources said that there has been a sharp decline in violence instigated by separatists in Kashmir Valley after the notes ban.
Last Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a sudden announcement, pulled Rs 500 and 1,000 notes out of circulation. He said the tough move was necessary to crack down on black or untaxed money and choke terror funding. Speaking to reporters, Mr Parrikar said those who sponsor terror will be affected by the notes ban. “The problem of new notes circulation will be resolved to a large extent in the next four-five days,” he added.
“Whether it is border security or economic security, PM Modi has taken daring decisions. Whatever is being done, our jawans on border are the doing it, PM and me are just supporting it,” he said. The minister also appeared to take a swipe at its ally Shiv Sena, which has been critical of the demonetisation move. Speaking on the Mumbai’s BMC election, he said, “nobody will be left with the power to bribe voters.”
Mr Parrikar was presented a citation that praised him for the surgical strikes. It also thanked him for providing relief to people affected by land development rules near ordnance depots.
