Urging all who have taken the path of violence for their political campaigns to shun it and return to the mainstream, prime minister Narendra Modi has said that weapons cannot achieve lasting peace.

“On the solemn occasion of Republic day, I would appeal to anyone in any part of the country, who's still seeking solutions to problems through violence and weapons, to return to the mainstream,” he said in the new year’s first broadcast of his radio address, ‘Mann ki Baat’.

“They should have faith in their own capabilities and the capabilities of this country to resolve issues peacefully,” he said, adding: “We live in the 21st century. This is the era of knowledge, science and democracy. Have you ever heard of a place where life has turned better due to violence? Have you ever heard of a place where peace and goodwill have been impediments in the quest of a good life? Violence never resolves any issue.”

Modi argued that no problem in the world can be solved by creating another problem. “It can only be solved by seeking an optimal solution. Come, let’s together forge a new India, where every issue is resolved on a platform of peace. Solidarity should be the key to resolving every issue. And brotherhood should foil every separatist attempt to divide us.”

The comments came in the reference of the recent surrender by 644 militants of eight different groups in Assam. “Those who had strayed towards the path of violence have expressed their faith in peace and decided to become a partner in the country’s progress and return to the mainstream,” Modi said. He also noted that more than 80 people quit the path of violence and returned to the mainstream in Tripura last year. 

“Those who had picked up weapons thinking that violence could solve problems, now firmly believe that the only way to solve any dispute is peace and togetherness. Countrymen will be thrilled to know that insurgency in the North-East has considerably reduced. And the biggest reason for that is that every issue of this region is being honestly and peacefully solved through dialogue,” he said.

He also greeted the citizens of the country on the occasion of the Republic Day. “May this new decade bring new resolve and new achievements for each of you, and for the country. And may India surely achieve the capabilities to fulfil the expectations that the world has from India. With this belief, come, let's start a new decade. Let's serve Mother India with a new found resolve.”