'Gun users must be dealt with gun': TN Governor RN Ravi on dealing with enemies of India

Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi has spoken about how there should be zero tolerance toward violence and there should be no negotiation with anyone who talks against the country's unity and integrity.

Ravi, also a former governor of Nagaland was adressing a session on 'Contemporary Challenges to Internal Security' in Kochi on Sunday.

Ravi added that anyone who uses a gun should be dealt with a gun.

"...Zero tolerance to violence. Anyone who uses a gun should be dealt with a gun. No negotiation with anyone who talks against the unity and integrity of the country. No talks with any armed group in last 8 years, if only for surrender."

Hitting out at the previous Congress-UPA government for the way it dealt with Pakistan following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, Ravi said there should be a clarity if the neighboring country is a friend or foe. He further recalled the airstrike in Balakot days after the terror attack in Pulwama killing at least 46 paramilitary personnel, adding the message was clear that if there is any act of terrorism, you will have to pay the cost.

"When 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack happened, the whole country was traumatized, the country was humiliated by a handful of terrorists. Within nine months of the attacks, our then Prime Minister and Pakistan PM signed a joint communique stating both countries were victims of terrorism."

"...What is this? It has to be clear if Pakistan is a friend or an enemy. After the Pulwama attack, we hit back at Pakistan in Balakot using air power. The message was that if you commit an act of terrorism you will have to pay the cost," the Tamil Nadu governor said.