Few parties helping Pakistan with their comments: PM Modi

Saying that India would pay back terrorists "with interest" referring to the Indian Air Force targeting a Jaish camp in Pakistan, he also said the Opposition, with their statements, was helping Pakistan.

"Sadly, a few parties, guided by Modi hatred have started hating India. The world is supporting India's fight against terror but a few parties suspect our fight against terror," Modi said at a rally in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari. "It is no wonder that while the entire nation supports our armed forces, they suspect the armed forces."

"They are the same people whose statements are being happily quoted in the Parliament of Pakistan and in the radio of Pakistan. I want to ask them - do you support our armed forces or suspect them?" he said.

Attacking the previous UPA governments, Modi said: "There was a time when news reports would read, air force wanted to do surgical strike but the UPA blocked it. But today, we are in an era where the news reads that armed forces have full freedom to do what they want. This is an India which will return the damage done by the terrorist with interest. The events of the past few days have demonstrated the strength of our armed forces. It has also brought our nation closer."

"26/11 happened, India expected action against terrorists but nothing happened. Uri happened and you saw what our brave men did. Pulwama happened and you saw what our brave men did."

Modi's comments come two days after 21 Opposition parties released a statement accusing the ruling BJP of "blatant politicisation of the sacrifices of armed forces".

Modi also praised captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who Pakistan is scheduled to return to India today.

Reacting to Modi's statements, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said: "Our Prime Minister cannot even leave his public relations or PR for even 5 minutes. This is the difference."