Though Modi did not make any reference to Kashmir valley which is witnessing violence after the killing of Hizbul Commander Burhan Wani, he accused Pakistan of glorifying terrorists and celebrating killings in India. This was an obvious reference to Wani who has been hailed as a martyr by Pakistan.

In his 93-minute Independence Day address to the nation amidst tight security, Modi said, "From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I want to express my gratitude to some people -the people of Baluchistan, Gilgit and Pak-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) — for the way they whole-heartedly thanked me, the way they expressed gratitude to me, the way they conveyed their goodwill to me recently."

This is for the first time the disturbed areas in the control of Pakistan have been mentioned by any Prime Minister during his Independence speech. The remarks also come in the backdrop of recent comments by Modi during an all-party meet on Kashmir that the time had come to expose the atrocities committed "by our neighboring nation" in Baluchistan and the areas of J & K (PoK) under its illegal occupation.

The Prime Minister asked the international community to judge the behavior of India and Pakistan in the context of terror attacks in each other's country.

"When children were killed in terror attack on a school in Peshawar (about two years back), there were tears in our Parliament. Indian children were traumatized. This is the example of our humanity. But look at the other side where terrorism is glorified," Modi said.

Asserting that India will not yield to terrorism and violence, the Prime Minister asked youths to return to the mainstream by shunning the path of violence, comments which are seen as a message to youth of Kashmir.

"I am telling those youths that there is time left, come back and join the mainstream. Realize your parents' aspirations. Lead a peaceful life. The path of violence has never benefited anyone," he said.

Modi attackedfor raiding Baluchistan

Congress party launched a scathing attack on Modi accusing him of "ruining" India's case on PoK by raking up the issue of Baluchistan in his Independence Day address.

"PoK is our right. Our entitlement. We will support it. But by bringing in Baluchistan, you are ruining our case… We are going to ruin our own case on PoK," Congress leader and former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said.

This would give an "additional handle" to Pakistan to target India as "we don't speak about atrocities in neighboring countries", he told reporters at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi.

Disapproving the "wild pronouncements about Baluchistan", he said the government should ensure that its borders are secured and people are safe.

"I do not know who advised the Prime Minister for raising Baluchistan… It will dilute our claim on PoK. It will given additional handle…to interfere in our internal affairs."

Suggesting that Modi should learn from former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on foreign policy, Khurshid said, "Baluchistan is a different kettle altogether. We have no business (there)."

He said the problem with Modi, who speaks of "56-inch chest", was that he "talks too much and does very little. "In modern times, we have to act with brains".

Militants kill police officer

One Central Reserve Police Force officer was killed and seven others injured when militants attacked security forces at Nowhatta in downtown Srinagar.

An unspecified number of militants fired at the security forces in the area which is close to the historic Jama Masjid.

Seven security personnel were injured in the militant attack, a police official said.
The exchange of fire was going on.

The attack came as the country is celebrating the 70th Independence Day.