Independence Day 2019: From Kashmir To Chief Of Defence Staff Creation, Highlights Of PM's Speech

Independence Day 2019 LIVE: In his first Independence Day address after returning to power with a bigger mandate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff to spearhead the three services, called for measures to check "population explosion" and gave a fresh push to the idea of 'one nation, one election'.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort, Modi pitched abrogation of Article 370 as a step towards 'one nation, one Constitution', saying a new approach was needed as the special provision for Jammu and Kashmir failed to yield desired results in 70 years.

His nearly 95-minute-long address was marked by a host of significant announcements as the prime minister said his government in the second term will work towards fulfilling the people's aspirations and dreams after meeting their needs in the last five years.

Check the highlights from PM Modi's speech on 73rd Independence Day from the Red Fort in Delhi-

ABP News Bureau Last Updated: 15 Aug 2019 01:33 PM

15/08/2019 09:22:46

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh, & Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa at Red Fort.

15/08/2019 09:20:32

15/08/2019 09:17:23

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets children at Red Fort.

15/08/2019 09:08:28

PM Modi concludes his speech from Red Fort.

15/08/2019 09:03:58

Our priority should be a 'Made in India' product.

Can we think of consuming local products, improving rural economy and the MSME sector: PM

15/08/2019 09:03:34

India has much to offer.

I know people travel abroad for holidays but can we think of visiting at least 15 tourist destinations across India before 2022, when we mark 75 years of freedom: PM

15/08/2019 09:02:52

There should be no pressure from the government, but when need there should also be no lack of government either; we ended 1 unnecessary law every day in the previous govt and repealed 60 laws in 10 weeks of current government: PM

15/08/2019 08:54:45

Can we free India from single use plastic? The time for implementing such an idea has come. May teams be mobilised to work in this direction. Let a significant step be made on 2nd October: PM

15/08/2019 08:54:39

From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I give my greetings to the people of Afghanistan who are marking 100 years of freedom: PM

15/08/2019 08:47:44

Our forces are India's pride.

To further sharpen coordination between the forces, I want to announce a major decision from the Red Fort:

India will have a Chief of Defence Staff- CDS.

This is going to make the forces even more effective: PM

15/08/2019 08:47:35

From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I give my greetings to the people of Afghanistan who are marking 100 years of freedom: PM

15/08/2019 08:47:28

Wealth creation is a great national service.

Let us never see wealth creators with suspicion.

Only when wealth is created, wealth will be distributed.

Wealth creation is absolutely essential. Those who create wealth are India's wealth and we respect them: PM

15/08/2019 08:47:21

Today, the Government in India is stable, policy regime is predictable...the world is eager to explore trade with India.

We are working to keep prices under check and increase development.

The fundamentals of our economy are strong: PM

15/08/2019 08:47:14

Time has come to think about how we can boost exports. Each district of India has so much to offer.

Let us make local products attractive.

May more export hubs emerge.

Our guiding principle is Zero Defect, Zero Effect: PM

15/08/2019 08:32:37

Earlier the aspiration was to have a good mobile phone but now, people aspire better data speed.

Times are changing and we have to accept that: PM

15/08/2019 08:28:19

People's thinking has changed.

Earlier, people were happy with merely a plan to make a railway station.

Now people ask- when will Vande Bharat Express come to my area.

People do not want only good railway stations or bus stations, they ask- when is a good airport coming: PM

15/08/2019 08:27:23

India does not want incremental progress. A high jump is needed, our thought process has to be expanded. We have to keep in mind global best practices and build good systems: PM

15/08/2019 08:23:55

I always ask- can we not remove the excess influence of Governments on people's lives. Let our people have the freedom of pursuing their own aspirations, let the right eco-system be made in this regard: PM

15/08/2019 08:23:44

Every effort made to remove corruption and black money is welcome. These are menaces that have ruined India for 70 long years. Let us always reward honesty: PM

15/08/2019 08:23:37

There is one issue I want to highlight today- population explosion.

We have to think- can we do justice to the aspirations of our children.

There is a need to have greater discussion and awareness on population explosion: PM

15/08/2019 08:23:29

The movement towards water conservation has to take place at the grassroots level. It cannot become a mere Government programme. People from all walks of life have to be integrated in this movement: PM

15/08/2019 08:23:20

It is unfortunate, however, that so many people lack access to water even 70 years after Independence.

Work on the Jal Jeevan Mission will progress with great vigour in the years to come: PM

15/08/2019 08:20:50

15/08/2019 08:14:42

15/08/2019 08:14:34

It is unfortunate, however, that so many people lack access to water even 70 years after Independence.

Work on the Jal Jeevan Mission will progress with great vigour in the years to come: PM

15/08/2019 08:14:28

In the last 70 years, every Government at the Centre and the various States, irrespective of which party they belonged to, have worked for the welfare of the people: PM

15/08/2019 08:11:10

In the last 70 years, every Government at the Centre and the various States, irrespective of which party they belonged to, have worked for the welfare of the people: PM

15/08/2019 08:10:53

GST brought to life the dream of One Nation, One Tax.

India has also achieved One Nation, One Grid in the energy sector.

Arrangements have been made for One Nation, One Mobility Card.

Today, India is talking about One Nation, One Election: PM

15/08/2019 08:04:43

We think differently and it is India First for us.

Politics comes and goes but steps in the interest of the nation are paramount: PM

15/08/2019 08:03:59

We think differently and it is India First for us.

Politics comes and goes but steps in the interest of the nation are paramount: PM

15/08/2019 08:01:03

PM Modi: The old system in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh led to corruption, nepotism but there was injustice when it came to rights of women, children, Dalits, tribal communities.The dreams of sanitation workers were incomplete. How can we accept this?

15/08/2019 08:00:44

PM Modi: We do not believe in creating problems or dragging them. In less than 70 days of our new Government, Article 370 was revoked, and in both Houses of Parliament, 2/3rd of the members supported this move.

15/08/2019 07:59:30

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day: In 2019, I was amazed, the mood of the people of the country had changed, disappointment had turned into optimism, dreams became connected with desire and everyone was on the same page that this country can change.

15/08/2019 07:58:10

Remember how scared Muslim women were, those who suffered due to practice of Triple Talaq, but we ended that. When Islamic nations can ban it then why can't we? When we can ban Sati, when we can take strong steps against female infanticide, child marriage, then why not this?: PM Modi

15/08/2019 07:56:53

15/08/2019 07:51:32

We have to think about solutions to the problems people face.

Yes, there will be obstacles on the way but we have to work to overcome them.

Remember how scared the Muslim women were, who suffered due to Triple Talaq but we ended the practice: PM

15/08/2019 07:51:00

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi tweets on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day-

Complete independence will be complete only to the extent of our approach in practice to truth and nonviolence- Mahatma Gandhi My best wishes to all of you on this our 73rd Independence Day.

15/08/2019 07:50:12

Before the elections in 2013-2014 I went all over the country in order to try to understand the feelings of the people. There was disappointment on everyone's face, people used to think can this country change?: PM Modi

15/08/2019 07:47:08

This is the time to think about the India of the 21st century and how the dreams of the people will be fulfilled: PM

15/08/2019 07:47:01

India understands the important of water conservation and thus, a new ministry for Jal Shakti has been created.

Steps have been taken to make the medical sector even more people friendly: PM

15/08/2019 07:46:53

It has been under ten weeks since the new Government was formed but several pathbreaking decisions have been taken.

This includes decisions for Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, the end of Triple Talaq, steps for the welfare of farmers and traders: PM

15/08/2019 07:46:43

I bow to all those great women and men who devoted their lives so that India becomes free: PM

15/08/2019 07:46:36

Today, when we are marking Independence Day, many of our citizens are suffering due to floods in various parts of the nation. We stand in complete solidarity with those affected by the floods and I assure that all possible support that is needed will be provided to them: PM

15/08/2019 07:46:08

15/08/2019 07:45:37

PM Narendra Modi in his address to the nation on 73rd Independence Day: Today, when we are marking Independence Day, many of our citizens are suffering due to floods in various parts of the country. We stand in solidarity with those who are affected by the floods.

15/08/2019 07:43:44

PM Modi: The new govt has not completed even 10 weeks, but in this short span of time in every sector we have taken important steps. Article 370 and 35A being revoked is a step towards realizing the dream of Sardar Patel.

15/08/2019 07:43:08

15/08/2019 07:39:25

Prime Minister begins his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort by conveying Independence Day greetings to the nation. PM also conveys wishes on Raksha Bandhan.

15/08/2019 07:36:04

PM addresses his 1st Independence Day address in Modi2.0

15/08/2019 07:28:34

Children waiting eagerly for their beloved PM
Modi. PM will be unfurling the flag and addressing the nation shortly from the ramparts of Red Fort

15/08/2019 07:24:41

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects the Guard of Honour at the Red Fort. He will address the nation shortly.

15/08/2019 07:16:19

Delhi: Visitors, performers and jawans gather at the Red Fort ahead of Independence Day celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation shortly, from here.

15/08/2019 07:11:37

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hoists the tricolour at his residence.

15/08/2019 07:10:23

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat. He will now address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort at 7.30 am.

15/08/2019 06:59:47

In his sixth consecutive address to the nation, Modi is likely to focus on the theme of 'New India'.

15/08/2019 06:48:28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag and address the nation from the historic Red Fort on the 73rd Independence Day on Thursday. The prime minister will also pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, following which he will address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort at 7.30 am, the PMO stated in a tweet.

15/08/2019 06:46:51

The Delhi Metro has not announced any change in its services on August 15, but there will be restrictions on entry and exit at some stations on the Violet Line. Parking areas, however, have been closed until 2 pm.

15/08/2019 06:46:30

SWAT commandos and NSG snipers have been deployed while for the first time cameras with facial recognition software are being used to secure the historic Red Fort where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag on the 73rd Independence Day on Thursday.

Around 500 CCTV cameras have been installed around the venue, where ministers, bureaucrats, foreign dignitaries and common people will gather to hear the prime minister.

15/08/2019 06:36:18

Delhi Police and Delhi Traffic Police personnel will be spread out across the city to secure important places as well as for manning entry and exit points at 'vulnerable locations'. All high-rises, hotels, guest houses, markets and restaurants in Paharganj, Jama Masjid and the areas surrounding the Red Fort will be under the police scanner.

15/08/2019 06:35:22

At least 80 companies of security forces (around 6,000 personnel) will be deployed at the Red Fort and the surrounding areas, said the officer.

15/08/2019 06:35:00

Besides officers of the Delhi Police, security officers in plain clothes, snipers, National Security Guard (NSG) personnel, the Army and SPG commandos as well as ground to air surveillance will be deployed around the Red Fort.

15/08/2019 06:34:44

A senior police officer was quoted as saying that there shall be special multi-layer checking of all vehicles, both private and commercial, entering the city from neighbouring states through border entry points.

An alert has been issued by the intelligence agencies regarding terrorist outfits planning to carry out strikes across the nation and near the Red Fort. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has written to all state police chiefs, directing them to make adequate security arrangements in their respective states, the officer added.

15/08/2019 06:33:54

A police officer said intensive checking drives have been initiated at the airport, railway stations, Metro stations, bus stops, markets, malls and the border areas.

Also, verification of tenants, servants, occupants of guest houses, dealers of used scooters and cars and cyber cafe users is in full swing across the capital.

15/08/2019 06:31:42

Heavy police deployments have been made in areas within a 3 km radius of the Red Fort from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Thursday morning to mark the 73rd Independence Day of India.

15/08/2019 06:27:37

Security has been ramped up in the national capital with police barriers put in place across the national capital.

15/08/2019 06:27:13

Meanwhile, Delhi has been put on high alert ahead of the Independence Day and in the wake of intelligence warning following the revocation of Article 370 which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

15/08/2019 06:26:09

PM Modi also extended his greetings to the people of the country on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

15/08/2019 06:25:11

On the occassion of 73rd Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation via tweet in which he wrote, 'Happy Independence Day to all my fellow Indians. Jai Hind!'

15/08/2019 06:18:40

PM Modi's Independence Day speech will broadcast from 7:30 am onward.The focus of the Prime Minister during his 6th Independence Day speech would be regarding a new India. There would be a lot of focus on Jammu and Kashmir, where the government wants the flag to be hoisted at every panchayat.

15/08/2019 06:17:54

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today on the occasion of 73rd year of India's Independence from the ramparts of Red Fort in Delhi after hoisting the Tricolour.

Background

New Delhi: India will celebrate its 73rd Independence Day on Thursday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort after hoisting the Tricolour at 7:30 am, amid multi-layered security arrangements.

In view of the Centre abrogating the constitutional provisions that accorded a special status to Jammu and Kashmir and amid tensions with Pakistan, security has been tightened across the national capital and the neighbouring border areas.

Prime Minister Modi to deliver sixth straight Independence Day speech:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver his sixth straight Independence Day speech and is expected to touch on a host of issues, ranging from his government's landmark decision on Jammu and Kashmir to the state of economy. This will also be his first August 15 address after coming back to power with a huge mandate.

This will be Modi's sixth August 15 speech, a number equal to the addresses from the ramparts of the Red Fort by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the first and only other prime minister from the BJP. Vajpayee had given six straight speeches between 1998-2003.

The event:

The defence ministry said on Wednesday that 3,500 girl students from 41 government schools in Delhi, 5,000 boy spectators and 700 NCC cadets of 17 schools will display 'strength in unity' by the formation of words "Naya Bharat" at the venue of Modi's speech.

The guard of honour contingent for the Prime Minister will consist of one officer and 24 men each from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police. It will be positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts, it added.

After inspecting the guard of honour, Modi will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his deputy Shripad Naik, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa and Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh will greet him.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) Delhi area will conduct the prime minister to the dais to unfurl the national flag, the ministry said.

Security in National Capital:

The multi-layered security ring, including National Security Guard (NSG) snipers, elite SWAT commandos and kite catchers, will be placed around the Red Fort.

Special deployments have been made by the SPG and different components of the Army and paramilitary forces, along with around 20,000 Delhi Police personnel, including those from the traffic wing.

For the first time, Delhi Police will be using cameras equipped with a facial recognition software to identify suspects around the Red Fort and the adjoining areas.

Traffic Advisory:

The Delhi Traffic Police has also issued an advisory for the Independence Day function at the Red Fort.

Metro services will be normal on August 15, with restrictions on entry and exit at some of the stations on the Violet Line. All metro stations will remain open on Independence Day but parking at the stations will be closed from 6 am on August 14 till 2 pm on August 15.

Security along LoC

The Army and BSF have been put on high alert to step up vigil along Indo-Pak border, officials said on Wednesday. In Jammu region, police has also been put on high degree of vigilance in most of the districts amid intensification of frisking and checking in Jammu city, they said.

This is the first Independence Day after the abrogation of the special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and reorganization of the state into two Union Territories.