New Delhi: Amid the expanding footprint of the Islamic State across the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned on Monday that “preachers of hate and violence” are threatening the fabric of the society.
He asked the youth to build a counter-narrative to extremist ideologies.
Modi also emphasised that those giving shelter to terrorists and using them as political instruments must be condemned, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.
Read: Those believing in humanity must come together to defeat terror: PM Modi
Addressing students at the University of Nairobi, Modi pitched for a world free from terror and hate, saying safety and security of people and societies is essential for realising the benefits of the economic progress.
“Preachers of hate and violence are threatening the fabric of our society,” he said.
Underlining the need to counter radicalisation, Modi said: “Youth can play an important role in building a counter narrative to extremist ideologies.”
His comments assume significance in view of the expanding footprint of the IS terror group, which is attracting the youth through a campaign of radicalisation.
Three of the alleged jihadis who participated in an attack on a Dhaka cafe last week, in which 20 hostages were murdered, were youngsters who attended top schools and universities in the Bangladeshi capital.
Some of these six attackers were allegedly influenced by the controversial Indian Muslim preacher Zakir Naik, who gives sermons on a TV channel. Naik is at the centre of a storm , with calls for imposing a ban on his television channel for allegedly inflammatory speeches.
Apprehensions of Indian youth getting attracted to the IS are also increasing, with 15 youngsters from Kerala going missing mysteriously.
The Prime Minister, while speaking about developmental strides, said: “A steady march towards our economic goals is indeed a priority. But, we also cannot ignore the safety of our people.”