Peace dialogue do not succeed amidst bombs, guns and bullets: PM Modi to President Putin
Moscow, Jul 9: Peace dialogue does not succeed amidst bombs, guns and bullets and no solution to any conflict is possible in the battlefield, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday as the two leaders held talks under the spectre of the Ukraine conflict.
In his televised opening remarks, Modi conveyed to Putin and assured the world community that India is on the side of peace and was ready to contribute in ending the conflict in Ukraine.
"For a bright future for the new generation, peace is most essential...Peace talks do not succeed amidst bombs, guns and bullets," he said.
The prime minister also referred to his informal meeting with Putin on Monday and said listening to the Russian president lent "hope".
"Everyone believing in humanity is pained if there is loss of lives. In that too, if innocent children are murdered; if innocent children die, it is heart-wrenching and very painful," Modi said.
"At our meeting yesterday, we listened to each other's views on Ukraine and I also placed before you the Global South's expectation on peace and stability," Modi said.
The prime minister also highlighted Russia's help to India in the energy sector.
When the world was facing shortage of food, fuel and fertilisers, we did not allow our farmers to face any problem and our friendship with Russia played a role in that, Modi said.
"We would want our cooperation with Russia to expand further so as to ensure welfare of our farmers," he said.
Modi said stronger ties between the two nations will greatly benefit the people.
The prime minister also flagged concerns over challenges of terrorism.
"India has been facing the challenge of terrorism for around 40 years; I condemn all forms of terrorism," Modi said.
He said the world has to face multiple challenges in the last five years -- first due Covid-19 and then because of various conflicts.
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CEC orders immediate arrest of those involved in post-poll violence in Bengal: Official
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the authorities concerned to immediately arrest those involved in post-poll violence and vandalism in West Bengal, an official said on Wednesday.
The Election Commission's directive came after two persons were killed in alleged incidents of post-poll violence in the state on Tuesday, besides scores of party offices being ransacked.
The CEC issued instructions to the West Bengal chief secretary, director general of police, Kolkata police commissioner and directors general of central armed police forces, along with all district magistrates, superintendents of police and other officials, to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas, he said.
"Those responsible for inciting violence and carrying out acts of vandalism must be arrested immediately," the official said, quoting the CEC's instruction.
The chief election commissioner also stressed the need for swift and firm enforcement of the law, he added.
This directive came amid concerns over law and order in parts of the state, with the Election Commission closely monitoring the situation, he added.
"We have been asked to remain on high alert and ensure that any attempt to disturb peace is dealt with firmly," a senior police officer said.
The state authorities have intensified vigil across districts, with coordinated efforts between the police and central forces to prevent any untoward incident, he added.
The assembly elections were held in West Bengal in two phases - April 23 and 29. The counting of votes took place on May 4.
The BJP sealed a landslide victory with 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, ending the TMC's uninterrupted 15-year rule in the state.
