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India today told Pakistan that "patience has limits" and all "necessary steps" will be taken to ensure internal security and protect territorial integrity.
Without mentioning Pakistan by name, President Pranab Mukherjee said despite India's consistent efforts to build friendly relations with neighbours, there have been tensions on the border and repeated violations of the ceasefire on the Line of Control,leading to tragic loss of lives.
"Our commitment to peace is unfailing but even our patience has limits. All steps necessary to ensure internal security and protect the territorial integrity of the nation will be taken," he said addressing the nation on the eve of 67th Independence Day.
He applauded the courage and heroism of the security and armed forces who maintain eternal vigilance and paid homage to those who have made the supreme sacrifice of the most precious gift of life in the service of the motherland.
Mukherjee said in the recent past there have been grave challenges to the security, internal as well as external.
"The barbaric face of Maoist violence in Chhattisgarh led to a loss of many innocent lives," he said.
