PM Modi on why he launched Demographic Mission: 'We need to stay alert'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday warned that India's diversity is under threat from infiltrators who are causing a demographic shift in the country.

Speaking during the centenary celebrations of RSS in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said that infiltrators pose a risk to India's social harmony and internal security.

He added that this is the reason why he announced the Demographic Mission during his Independence Day speech on August 15.

"Unity in diversity has always been India's soul. If this strength is broken, India will weaken ... Social harmony faces a big threat from infiltrators, causing a demographic shift. This question concerns our internal security and future. This is why I announced the Demographic Mission from the Red Fort. We need to stay alert and fight this challenge," he said.

PM Modi had announced the launch of a “high-powered Demography Mission” aimed at tackling the “conspiracy to alter India’s demographic profile” through illegal infiltration.

Unveiling the plan in his Independence Day address, PM Modi said infiltrators were “snatching the livelihood of youth, targeting sisters and daughters, misleading tribals and capturing land,” and stressed that the mission would coordinate efforts to monitor demographic changes, strengthen security and act against unlawful settlement.

During his address, PM Modi also lauded RSS and said the organisation never displayed any bitterness despite several attacks on it as it continued to work on the principle of nation first.

He highlighted the contribution of the Sangh in nation-building and said it reached every corner of the country with the goal of fostering harmony by removing divisions of caste or creed and spreading the message of an inclusive society.

(With inputs from agencies)