‘Surgical strike’ was a big achievement: PM

New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Saturday successfully test fired a Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) interceptor missile designed to intercept and destroy hostile ballistic missiles in space even before they enter the Earth’s atmosphere.

This further enhances India’s capability of dealing with a nuclear attack threat. At 7.45 a.m., on the east coast of India, an incoming missile was successfully intercepted at a height of 100 km with a direct hit by an interceptor missile, said a DRDO official.

The PDV can reach even higher altitudes.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a rally said: “Today (Saturday) our scientists have made a missile that could attack an incoming missile in the sky. Only four-five countries in the world have done this.”

The two stage PDV missile is part of the two layered Ballistic Missile Defence system developed by the DRDO, the research and development wing of the Defence Ministry, with the Hyderabad based Research Centre Imaarat (RCI) as the nodal laboratory.

Its interception window spans from 80-120 km.

The fully automated system consists of a network of sensors, computers and launchers, designed to intercept hostile ballistic missiles, possibly carrying nuclear weapons and destroy them before they can cause any damage.

This was the second test of the PDV.

MODI HAILS

While hailing the successful test-firing of an interceptor missile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took pot shots at the Congress party saying they would ask for proof of the test.

Addressing an election rally in Uttarakhand, he also said that more than the business class, the corrupt ways of politicians have harmed the country. He asserted his government’s war against corruption will continue.

Addressing another rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun, Modi lashed out at the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party government for “sheltering criminals.”

“You hear news about some country developing missiles with range of 5,000 km or 8,000 km. Last month, you must have heard the news of Pakistan developing a missile that can destroy the Andaman Islands. But let me tell you, India has no dearth of missiles. And today, our scientists have achieved a feat which has made the entire country proud,” Modi said hours after India successfully test-fired its interceptor missile off the Odisha coast.

“The missile test fired today can intercept incoming missiles and destroy them 150 km into the sky. Only four or five countries so far have achieved this feat,” said Modi.

Referring to opposition calls for proof of the Indian Army’s September 29 surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC), Modi ridiculed the Congress saying they might even demand proof of the missile test.

“I don’t know what new demand our opponent Congress will come out with. They will say give us proof that the missile went up to 150 km into the sky. They will ask for proof of the missile hitting the incoming missile,” said Modi, evoking laughter among the crowd.

“The surgical strike was such a big achievement for the country. The enemy is still to come to grips and the whole world is raving about India’s might. But there are few leaders who questioned the surgical strikes, demanded its proof. Isn’t this an insult of our brave soldiers, an insult to the country’s achievements and self esteem,” added Modi.

He also accused the state’s ruling Congress of undermining development of Uttarakhand and called upon the people of the state to vote the Bharatiya Janata party to power to ensure ‘Vikas’ (progress), Vidyut (Electricity), Kanoon Vyavastha (Law & order) and Sadak (roads).

“A businessman may charge Rs 25 for a Rs 20 thing, or may pay just Rs 80 instead of Rs 100 payable to government. But it is not the businessmen but corruption by politicians and babus that has hurt the country most. My fight is against these politicians who using their power looted the country’s wealth. I know there will be difficulties in the fight against who have looted the country for 70 years. But our fight will continue,” he said.

Addressing a rally in Badaun, he accused the Samajwadi Party and Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party of playing with the aspirations of the people for their political gains and asserted the BJP would usher in development if voted to power in the state. IANS