Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed a rally in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari and inaugurated various developmental schemes in the state. The Prime Minister commenced his speech by saying that every Indian is proud that the brave Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman hails from Tamil Nadu. Abhinandan was in Pakistan's custody after his fighter jet MiG 21 was shot during an aerial skirmish between India and Pakistan on Wednesday, a day after India bombed largest JeM terror training camp in Balakot, Pakistan in retaliation to the Pulwama attack. Wing Commander Abhinandan will be released today by Pakistan after India created pressure on Islamabad citing Geneva convention rules and international pressure.

Inaugurating various developmental schemes, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the extension of a railway line from Rameswaram-Dhanushkodi and a new bridge replacing old Pamban bridge, which connects Rameswaram on Pamban Island to mainland India. 

Highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

• Laying the foundation stone for various developmental schemes, PM Modi flagged off Tejas express, the fastest train between Madurai and Chennai. 
• Speaking about Tejas express, PM Modi said it is one of the most modern trains and is a great example of ‘Make in India’ having been manufactured in the Integral Coach Factory of Chennai itself.
• PM Modi said he is proud that India’s first woman Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is from Tamil Nadu. 
• PM Modi laid down the foundation stone of a railway line between Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. The track had got damaged after the disaster of 1964 but for over fifty years, no attention was paid to this line.
• Making a reference to the recent air strikes conducted by India on JeM terror training camps in Balakot, Pakistan, PM Modi said that 26/11 (Mumbai terror attack) happened, India expected action against terrorists but nothing happened. When Uri and Pulwama happened, you saw what our brave soldiers did. I salute those who are serving the nation.
• A few parties, guided by Modi hatred have started hating India. No wonder, while the entire nation supports our armed forces, they suspect the armed forces. The world is supporting India’s fight against terror but a few parties suspect our fight against terror, PM Modi said. 
• These are the same people whose statements are helping Pakistan & harming India. They are the same people whose statements are being happily quoted in Parliament of Pakistan & in the radio of Pakistan. I want to ask them — Do you support our armed forces or suspect them, PM Modi asked.