• Source:JND
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Favouring a decisive retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday stated that while non-violence is a core Indian value, teaching a lesson to wrongdoers is also a moral obligation. Speaking at the launch of The Hindu Manifesto at the Prime Minister's Museum, Bhagwat asserted that a sovereign must discipline the wicked to protect citizens.

Indirectly referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s likely response to the attack, Bhagwat stated, "The sovereign must and will perform his duty." His remarks came in the backdrop of the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 26 people dead. Bhagwat highlighted that India’s ethos emphasises peace, but a firm stance becomes necessary when perpetrators refuse to mend their ways.

Without directly naming Pakistan, Bhagwat pointed out that India traditionally does not harm its neighbours. However, he stressed that persistent misconduct leaves no choice but to act. He said, "Non-violence is our religion, but teaching a lesson to hooligans is also our religion."

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Bhagwat said Indian culture has historically encouraged giving offenders a chance to reform. Yet, when repeated wrongdoings occur, action becomes essential. He cited scriptures and mythology to support the use of force when necessary, describing it not as violence, but as a religious duty.

Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, the RSS chief recalled how Lord Krishna instructed Arjuna to take up arms against evil during the Mahabharata, underscoring that force is justified under special circumstances.

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Earlier, Bhagwat had noted that terrorists in Pahalgam targeted people after asking their religion, claiming that Hindus would never engage in such acts. Expressing grief and anger, he stated, "We hope for a strong response," urging decisive action in the wake of the attack.

(With agency inputs)