India celebrates Independence Day amid tight security; PM promises to tackle inflation, terrorism

Following recent bomb attacks in Bangalore and Ahmedabad and violent protests in northern Kashmir, thousands of security personnels surrounded the historic Red Fort where Singh unfurled the national flag to a 21-gun salute before addressing the nation.

Speaking on the occasion, Singh said the present government, when it came to power, had no promises to make but "promises to keep."

The prime minister said the government had taken initiatives for the growth of the agricultural sector and has been paying special attention to the development of education in the country.

"India will be transformed only when every Indian is literate, well fed, healthy and can secure gainful employment," Singh said.

Singh said in his speech that recommendation of Sixth Pay Commission is a step in making the government more efficient.

The prime minister also said he hoped the tension in the northeastern region and Jammu & Kashmir would ease and peace and prosperity would prevail. Political tension, Singh said, can only be resolved in an atmosphere of peace and goodwill.

Noting that the poor people were worst affected by the high inflation rate, Singh said the government is "taking determined measures to bring prices under reasonable control."

"I know how much each one of you is concerned about the recent rise in prices. The inflation we have seen this year is basically due to external factors. Our Government has worked hard to ensure that in India the rate of inflation is not as high as in many other countries. We have also taken special measures to insulate the poorer sections of our society from the full impact of rising food and fuel prices," the prime minister said.

"However, while making these efforts we should avoid doing anything which hurts our growth," he added.

The prime minister also said India should be imbued by a scientific temper. "This year, we hope to send an Indian Spacecraft, Chandrayan, to the moon. It will be an important milestone in the development of our space program," he said.

According to the prime minister, initiatives were also being taken to end India's nuclear isolation, and the India-US civilian nuclear agreement would resolve India's energy problems and enable the government to provide electricity to meet the needs of farmers, artisans, traders and industry.

"We must apply modern science and technology to find long term solutions to our energy problem. Our crude oil and gas reserves are limited. We must find alternative energy sources," Singh said.

"All over the world, there is growing realization of the importance of atomic energy to meet the challenge of energy security and climate change. It is a clean, environmental friendly and renewable source of energy," the prime minister continued.

"India's atomic scientists and technologists are world class. They have developed nuclear energy capacities despite heavy odds. But there are handicaps which have adversely affected our atomic energy program. We have inadequate production of uranium. The quality of our uranium resources is not comparable to those of other producers. Many countries have imposed sanctions on trade with India in nuclear materials, nuclear equipment and nuclear technology. As a result, our nuclear energy program has suffered," he added.

"The nuclear agreement that we are negotiating with developed countries will end India's nuclear isolation. It will open up new opportunities for trade in dual-use high technologies and nuclear materials and equipment, opening up new pathways to accelerate industrialization of our country," he said.

The prime minister also vowed to root out terrorism from the country, urging state governments, all political parties, civil society groups and social and religious leaders to cooperate with the government in its efforts.

Singh said the terrorists and those who support them are enemies of the people of India and Pakistan and of peace in the region and the world. "If this issue of terrorism is not addressed, all the good intentions that we have for our two peoples to live in peace and harmony will be negated," he said.

"Terrorism, extremism, communalism and fundamentalism have emerged as major challenges to the unity and integrity of our country. The recent terrorist attacks in Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and other parts of the country have shocked the nation. What words can I find to condemn such acts of barbarism. I share the sorrow and grief of people affected by terrorism. The Government of India will take concrete steps to rehabilitate and help such families," Singh said in his Independence Day speech.

"I commend our security forces and intelligence agencies for the dedication with which they are dealing with the problem under difficult circumstances. But I agree that we have to further strengthen our intelligence agencies and police forces to deal with the problem of terrorism," the prime minister said.

"We will examine the functioning of our intelligence agencies and police and security forces and take all possible steps to equip them to tackle this challenge. Whatever resources are required, will be provided. Whatever manpower is required will be provided. We are firm in our resolve to meet the challenge of terrorism," he said.

Hard work, unity of purpose, politics of consensus and dialogue among communities will ensure peace and prosperity in India, he said.

"Our goal in South Asia is to seek a peaceful, stable and prosperous neighborhood. We seek to accelerate the pace of social and economic development in our country and our region, while safeguarding our national security," Singh said.

"We will work hard to take the country to greater heights in all fields. Let us resolve today to stand together, to strengthen the unity and integrity of our country and to stand firm in our determination to build a new India of our dreams," he concluded.

Earlier, on the eve of Independence Day, India's President Pratibha Patil greeted the Indians, recalling the sacrifice and leadership of visionaries like Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

"Due to our efforts and perseverance, we have many achievements to our credit but there are several tasks that await completion and new challenges that need to be addressed. A nation's work never ends. In fact, we must work ceaselessly to advance our common destiny of a strong democratic India that is economically vibrant and modern, but yet rooted in its age old values of harmony, tolerance and mutual respect. One should never forget that these are the values that make us emotionally strong and hold our country together. We may still have a long way to go to eradicate poverty, disease and illiteracy but other countries in the world respect India because of these values," Patil said.

On a similar note, Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari recalled the sacrifices made by valiant freedom fighters "for the cause of our independence."

"Every Independence Day is a milestone in the history of our Republic. Our country rejoices with pride at our national achievements. Let us take a pledge on this occasion to strive towards realizing the dream of a developed India, where all citizens have the opportunity to live with dignity and fully develop their potential," Ansari said.

"Let us celebrate this joyous occasion by rededicating ourselves to secure for our nation its rightful place in the world," he added.

Meanwhile in Kashmir, Independence Day celebrations took place peacefully, contrary to threats issued by divisive forces and a general strike called by the disputed region's main separatist alliance.

Trouble began in June in Kashmir, a Muslim dominated region, when the government promised to give forest land to a trust that runs Amarnath, a cave shrine visited by Hindu pilgrims. After huge protests by Muslims, it backtracked, in turn angering Hindus in the Jammu region of the state.

Till now, at least 30 people have been killed as a result of the ongoing protests.

In other states too, security was beefed up for the Independence Day celebrations.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of India's independence, the world greeted India led by the US President George W. Bush who recalled "close ties" between the two nations.

Terming India's path to independence a great story of "liberty overcoming oppression," the president said, "led by Mahatma Gandhi the Indian people engaged in non-violent protests and campaigns in the pursuit of freedom."

"On August 15, 1947 they achieved their goal, gained their independence and became a democratic nation. This accomplishment demonstrates that though freedom can be delayed, it cannot be denied," Bush said.

Lauding the contributions of Indian Americans in America's progress, the US President said "it is also a time to remember the rich contributions that the Indian-Americans have made to our country and reminds us of the close ties that our nation shares with India."

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani also extended their greetings to their Indian counterparts on the occasion of the Independence Day, promising to improve relations with India and resolve all outstanding issues in a "just and peaceful" manner for progress and prosperity of the two countries.

Pakistan celebrated its Independence Day on August 14.