Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Paharias -- one of the most primitive tribes of Jharkhand -- will be in the vanguard of the state's security.
The Prime Minister also hailed the Paharaias' new-found status as security personnel.
While inaugurating a slew of infrastructure projects here in the tribal-dominated Santhal Pargana region, Modi heaped lavish praise on a group of Paharia men and women who recently joined the Jharkhand Police as home guards.
"Our Paharia sons and daughters are among the most neglected in the country. But now, they are joining the mainstream. Seeing their abilities and confidence, I have no doubts they will be our pride," Modi said, asking the people to loudly clap for the Paharia men and women in uniform.
"My Paharia friends... they will be a new force to secure the future of Jharkhand," he said.
The group of around 50 tribal security personnel beamed with pride as a thundering applause reverberated at the venue where Modi laid the foundation stone of a multimodal terminal and a four-lane bridge on river Ganga.
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"They are poorer than other tribals. For four generations, they have not got a government job. And now, they are going to be the foundation of my New India. This is my New India," said Modi as he hailed the Raghubar Das-led state government for its efforts to bring tribals into the mainstream.
--IANS
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