RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat lauds PM Modi, backs Gaurakshaks, says entire Kashmir is ours

Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, who addressed his party workers on 11 October at the Reshimbagh Ground in Nagpur said gaurakshaks are people who operate within the law, while people who break the law should not be termed as gaurakshaks.

He asserted that 'gau raksha' is an integral part of the Constitution and added that there are some 'divisive forces' in the country who are bent on portraying the members of the community in a negative light.

"Small farmers are dependent on cows and their progeny. There are cow protection laws in various states. Many communities like Jains are involved in Gau raksha. Gau rakshaks are good people but they should work under the law and Constitution," Mohan Bhagwat said while delivering his annual address on Vijayadashami.

"People working for cow protection within the law cannot be compared with law-breakers. They should be seen separately," Bhagwat said.

"Due to discrimination based on caste, creed, language a few incidents take place in our society which are shameful. However, as and when such incidents take place, there are a few elements that use it to create rift between people," he added.

Asserting that Pakistan was the key element behind instigating violence in the Valley, Mohan Bhagawat sent a message that Kashmir is an integral part of India, as is Gilgit-Baltistan.

Bhagwat stated that the unrest in Kashmir is being induced from across the LoC and it is a fact not hidden from anyone.

"The country is growing. There are some countries in the world who don't want to see India progress. They at times get support from people within. Kashmir is a serious concern. The commitment of our government is clear that Kashmir is an integral part of India and so is Gilgit-Baltistan," he said in his annual Vijayadashami speech.

Emphasising that a large part of Kashmir is free of tension and violence, he called on the nation and the government to act against those indulging in this violence

Calling on ensuring that justice is delivered to the displaced Kashmiri Pandits, Bhagwat further said that forces across the border are encouraging separatist forces in Kashmir.

The RSS chief also heaped praises on the Indian Army for the recent surgical strike in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, saying India's reputation in the world has gone up because of what our Army did and lauded the Centre and defence personnel.

"The administrative leadership has done a commendable job. We must manage our borders very well. Some separatist forces create trouble in border states. But the way our government has dealt with the whole issue post Uri is a matter of great pride," he said.

However, he warned political parties not to cross limits while playing politics and said, "Make sure people are not pit against each other."

The RSS also ditched their iconic Khaki shorts - which have been a part of the uniform since the organisation's inception - for brown trousers today.

The change, which heralds a generational change in the organisation, came into effect on Dussehra day - the Sangh's foundation day.

--With ANI inputs