Nation celebrates its 62nd Independence Day on Friday as Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh unfurled the tri-colour national flag
at the magnificent Red Fort for the fifth successive year on Independence
Day.
The flag unfurling was synchronized with a 21 gun salute fired
by the valiant gunners of the elite 299 Field Regiment.
Addressing the nation from the historic Red Fort, Prime minister
said divisive politics will lead us nowhere.
Political parties to end divisive politics
He appealed to the political parties to end divisive politics
and come together for long term interests and said that Amarnath
Shrine is a shining example of our secular tradition.
With unabated violence in the state apparently weighing heavily
on his mind, Singh underlined that issues related to the Amarnath
shrine could be resolved in "an atmosphere of peace and goodwill".
"The recent incidents in the state of Jammu and Kashmir
are a cause for concern. In this hour of crisis, divisive politics
will lead us nowhere," he said in his last Independence Day
speech during the UPA's tenure.
Emphasising that all issues related to the Amarnath land controversy
can be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means, the Prime
Minister said "dividing people in the name of religion can
complicate these issues further which can also pose a threat to
the unity and integrity of the country."
He appealed to all political parties to keep the "long-term
interests of Jammu and Kashmir in view and come together to find
a permanent solution to the problems of the state."
Singh highlighted that Amarnath shrine was a "shining example"
of the country's secular tradition where Hindu pilgrims have been
looked after for years by their Muslim brothers.
"Issues related to the sacred place, especially the issue
of providing the best possible facilities to pilgrims, can only
be resolved in an atmosphere of peace and goodwill," he said.
His comments came amid violence that has hit Jammu and Kashmir
over controversy related to the transfer of about 100 acres of
forest land to the Amarnath shrine board for the conduct of annual
pilgrimage to the holy cave in the mountains in south Kashmir.
Singh said Jammu and Kashmir requires an era of peace to enable
it to catch up with the more developed parts of the country.
He said his government has been taking various initiatives to
promote peace and stability in the state and these will be taken
forward.
To promote peace and stability in North-East
The Prime Minister talked about similar measures for the North-East,
saying that the government will have to pay special attention
for development of the region.
"Our government has taken several initiatives to increase
public investment in the North-East and in Jammu and Kashmir.
We are investing in infrastructure and in education in these regions
to encourage development and generate employment," Singh
said.
Describing terrorism, extremism, communalism and fundamentalism
as "major challenges to the unity and integrity of our country",
he said the recent attacks in Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and
other parts of the country have shocked the nation.
Expressing firm determination of his government to deal with
these challenges, he said the functioning of the intelligence
agencies, police and security forces would be examined.
"We have to further strengthen our intelligence agencies
and police forces to deal with the problem of terrorism,"
Singh said.
Kabul embassy attack has cast shadow on Indo-Pak ties
The 7th July Kabul embassy blast had cast a shadow on efforts
to normalise ties with Islamabad, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
said, making it clear that Pakistan must end terrorism directed
against India, failing which the peace initiatives could not be
pursued.
Singh said "terrorists and those who support them are enemies
of the people of India and Pakistan, of friendship between the
two countries and of peace in the region and the world" and
"we must defeat them".
"If this issue of terrorism is not addressed, all the good
intentions that we have for our two peoples to live in peace and
harmony will be negated," Singh said in his 45-minute address
from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort.
Singh said India's goal in South Asia is to seek a peaceful,
stable and prosperous neighbourhood and it wishes all the countries
of the region well.
The Prime Minister welcomed the strengthening of democratic forces
in India's neighbourhood, especially in Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan.
Singh made it clear that Pakistan would have to end cross-border
terrorism, saying without the issue being addressed "all
the good intentions that we have for our two peoples to live in
peace and harmony will be negated.
"We will not be able to pursue the peace initiatives we
want to take. The terrorists and those who support them are enemies
of people of India and Pakistan, of friendship between the two
countries and of peace in the region and the world. We must defeat
them."
Singh said India was seeking a peaceful, stable and prosperous
neighbourhood and its foreign policy is based on these principles.
"We wish all our neighbours well."
Need to strengthen intelligence agencies
As the government faces flak over handling of internal security,
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said police and intelligence
agencies need to be strengthened to tackle terrorism and sought
cooperation of political and religious leaders in rooting out
the scourge.
Also addressing the nation in the backdrop of recent blasts in
Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Jaipur, Singh asserted his government's
firm resolve to deal with terrorism, which has emerged as a major
challenge along with extremism, communalism and fundamentalism
to the "unity and integrity" of the country.
He said the serial blasts in the three cities had "shocked
the nation" and he condemned these "acts of barbarism".
Singh said the government will examine the functioning of the
intelligence agencies and police and security forces and take
all possible steps to equip them to tackle the challenge.
He urged the state governments, all political parties, civil
society groups and social and religious leaders to cooperate with
the government in rooting out terrorism from the country.
PM’S
ADDRESS ON 62ND INDEPENDENCE DAY
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, addressed
the Nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort today. Speaking on
the occasion, the Prime Minister said that it has been the sincere
endeavour of our Government to keep each of our promises. “We
have given a new deal to rural India”, the Prime Minister
said. Dr. Singh spoke about several initiatives launched for the
inclusive economic growth of the country. Highlighting various steps
taken for the growth of agricultural sector, the Prime Minister
said that we have increased the bank credit for the sector from
Rs.81,000 crore to Rs.2,25,000 crore during the past four years.
“Our farms are once again green. Our godowns are once again
filling up. Our farmers are once again hopeful about their future
and their welfare,” he added.
Dr. Manmohan Singh took the opportunity to point out that the Government
has taken important initiatives on the ‘Seven Sutras’,
a term coined by him four years ago, as priorities namely, agriculture,
water, education, health care, employment, urban renewal and infrastructure.
The Prime Minister emphasized that “India will be transformed
only when every Indian is literate, well fed, healthy and can secure
gainful employment.”
The Prime Minister further stressed that his Government has been
paying special attention to the development of education in the
country. He said “we are establishing 6000 new high quality
model schools, with at least one school in each block.” As
many as 373 new colleges are being opened in backward districts
besides 30 new universities, 8 new IITs, 7 new IIMs, 20 new IIITs,
5 new Indian Institutes of Science, 2 Schools of Planning and Architecture,
10 NITs, and a 1000 new polytechnics.
Wanting to see a modern India imbued by a scientific temper, the
Prime Minister said “this year, we hope to send an Indian
Spacecraft, Chandrayan, to the moon. It will be an important milestone
in the development of our space programme.”
Promising to continue striving for the development and prosperity
of the country, Dr. Singh assured “We will work hard to take
the country to greater heights in all fields.”
Stating that Government has taken special measures to insulate
poorer sections from the impact of rising food and fuel prices,
the Prime Minister said, “We are taking determined measures
to bring prices under reasonable control.” Underlining the
need for atomic energy, the Prime Minister said that the nuclear
agreement being negotiated with developed countries will not only
end India’s nuclear isolation, but also enable us to provide
electricity to meet the needs of farmers, artisans, traders and
industry. The Prime Minister mentioned in his speech that recommendation
of Sixth Pay Commission is a step in making Government more efficient.
Stressing upon the Government’s resolve to meet the challenge
of terrorism, the Prime Minister urged upon the State Governments,
all political parties, civil society groups and social and religious
leaders to cooperate in rooting out terrorism from the country.
Initiatives being taken to promote peace and stability in the North
Eastern region and J&K will be taken forward, the Prime Minister
said. Referring to the issue of providing the best facilities to
the pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Shrine, Dr. Singh said that it can
only be resolved in an atmosphere of peace and goodwill. He appealed
to the people of Jammu & Kashmir to cooperate in establishing
peace in the State.
Calling for defeating the terrorism, the Prime Minister emphasized
that the terrorists and those who support them are enemies of the
people of India and Pakistan and of peace in the region and the
world. “If this issue of terrorism is not addressed, all the
good intentions that we have for our two peoples to live in peace
and harmony will be negated”, he added.
“Let us resolve today to stand together, to strengthen the
unity and integrity of our country and to stand firm in our determination
to build a new India of our dreams,” the Prime Minister concluded.
Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s address on
the occasion:
“My dear countrymen, brothers, sisters and my dear children,
Greetings to all of you on this happy occasion of our Independence
Day.
This is a sacred day for every Indian.
Today we remember the sacrifice of those who under the leadership
of Mahatma Gandhi fought for our freedom from foreign rule.
Today we remember the hard work and dedication of all those who
have toiled to build a free and modern India. And we re-dedicate
ourselves to that cause.
We remember our farmers, our workers and our teachers. We remember
our soldiers - who defend our borders in snowy mountains, in deserts,
in jungles, on the shores and in the oceans.
Brothers and Sisters,
Four years ago, on this day, I stood here before you and spoke
to you about our Government’s new vision for a new India.
I said to you that it is our desire to build an India that is just
and humane;
an India that treats all its citizens as equals;
an India that is prosperous;
an India that lives in peace;
an India in which everyone can find work suited to his or her talent
and can work for his or her brighter future.
An India that is secular, that is fair and just to all its people.
An India united in its diversity.
It has been our sincere endeavour to work for the building of such
an India.
Brothers and Sisters,
Four years ago I stood here and said to you that I have no promises
to make, but I have promises to keep.
The implementation of the National Common Minimum Programme, was
our promise to keep;
To give a “new deal to rural India”, was our promise
to keep;
To make our economy and society inclusive was our promise to keep;
To take India to its rightful place in the comity of nations, was
our promise to keep;
It has been the sincere endeavour of our Government to keep each
of these promises.
We have given a new deal to rural India.
Through the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana we are investing Rs.
25000 crore in agriculture;
To provide relief to our debt distressed farmers we have waived
loans taken from the banks amounting to about Rs. 71000 crore;
In the past four years we have increased bank credit for agricultural
sector from Rs 81000 crore to Rs 225000 crore, and have reduced
the interest rates for farm loans;
In order to improve the economic conditions of farmers we have
steeply increased the procurement prices for food grains; 50% for
wheat and 30% for paddy;
The National Food Security Mission has been set up to enhance production
of rice, wheat and pulses;
Irrigation, watershed development, rain fed areas development,
and flood management have received our special attention;
Our effort at increasing investment in rural areas and reducing
the debt burden of farmers has turned our agricultural economy around.
After almost a decade of stagnation especially from 1998 to 2004,
investment in agriculture is increasing and there has been a revival
in this area. We have had record production of foodgrains, cotton
and sugar in 2007-08.
Our farms are once again green. Our godowns are once again filling
up. Our farmers are once again hopeful about their future and their
welfare.
Brothers and Sisters,
I spent the first ten years of my life in a village that had no
electricity, no drinking water supply, no doctor, no roads and no
phones. I had to walk many miles to a school. I had to study at
night in the dim light of a kerosene lamp. After independence there
has been considerable development in rural areas, yet many of our
citizens still live a life that I lived in my childhood.
That is why when our Government took over, we launched Bharat Nirman,
to build rural infrastructure. Our Government is committed to transforming
rural India. In these four years we have taken important initiatives.
I am confident that a new and prosperous India will be built due
to our efforts.
My dear Countrymen,
Four years ago I spoke to you about our “Seven Sutras”
– the seven priorities for our Government – agriculture,
water, education, health care, employment, urban renewal and infrastructure.
In each area we have taken important initiatives. I have already
spoken about our initiatives for agricultural development and farmer’s
welfare.
The second important area of development has been infrastructure
development. There is a new dynamism in our railways. New roads
are being built. New seaports and airports are being developed.
More and more of our people now live in our cities. The Jawaharlal
Nehru National Urban Mission has been funding urban development
and modernization of our cities.
The National Rural Health Mission has been expanding public health
facilities and services in rural areas.
As someone who started his professional life as a teacher, I feel
proud to say that our Government has been giving special attention
to the development of education in our country. There is a massive
increase in public investment in education at all levels. In elementary
education, in secondary education and in higher education.
We have strengthened Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and expanded the mid-day
meal programme upto upper primary level in all districts of the
country. About 14 crore children are being provided mid-day meals
under this scheme.
We are establishing 6000 new high quality model schools, with at
least one school in each block. 373 new colleges are being opened
in backward districts. We are opening 30 new universities, 8 new
IITs, 7 new IIMs, 20 new IIITs, 5 new Indian Institutes of Science,
2 Schools of Planning and Architecture, 10 NITs, and a 1000 new
polytechnics.
I have called the 11th Five Year Plan our “National Education
Plan”. We want every section of our society to get access
to education. Every child belonging to a family of SC, ST, OBC and
all Minorities, every single child, boy or girl, must have access
to modern education.
Our Government is implementing several new scholarship schemes
for the educational development of our children. Schemes for pre-matric
and post-matric scholarships for children hailing from SC, ST, OBC
and Minority families are being implemented. Special scholarships
for meritorious students from SC, ST, OBC and Minority families
have also been launched. Scholarships for overseas studies are being
given to SC and ST students. National merit-cum-means scholarships
for children hailing from economically weakers sections and children
with disabilities have also been approved.
We have established a new Skill Development Mission which will
work under the supervision of the Prime Minister. A Skill Development
Corporation will be created by the Government with the active participation
of the private sector to give special training to our young men
and women, our workers and our technicians.
I am happy to say that we are sincerely implementing most of the
recommendations of the Justice Sachar Committee Report on social,
economic and educational empowerment of our Muslim community.
India will be transformed only when every Indian is literate, well
fed, healthy and can secure gainful employment.
I want to see a modern India, imbued by a scientific temper, where
the benefits of modern knowledge flow to all sections of society.
This year we hope to send an Indian space craft, Chandrayan, to
the moon. It will be an important milestone in the development of
our space programme.
Brothers and Sisters,
Providing employment has been a special priority for us. Our policies
for agriculture, for industry, for infrastructure development and
for skill development, will all promote employment.
Our beloved former Prime Minister Shrimati Indira Gandhi had said,
“Garibi Hatao”. Our leader Shrimati Sonia Gandhi has
given us the slogan, “Rozgar Badhao”. Our Government
is making special efforts to create “rozgar” to fight
“garibi”.
The National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme is a historic
initiative of our Government. Today the entire country is covered
by this programme. The NREGA is providing minimum livelihood support
to the crores of neediest among us. It is aimed to soften the sharp
edges of poverty.
To create more employment we need more investment in agriculture,
in manufacturing and in infrastructure. We need a new wave of industrialization
to generate more employment. If industrial development has any adverse
impact on some of our rural folk, we will ensure that there is reasonable
compensation and proper rehabilitation. A new Rehabilitation and
Resettlement Policy has been formulated and we will seek Parliament’s
approval for it.
We have introduced a bill in Parliament to provide social security
to the workers of the unorganized sector. Our Government has launched
the Aam Aadmi Beema Yojana, under which one member of each landless
family in rural areas will be insured. We have also started a programme
to provide health insurance to Below Poverty Line families of workers
in the unorganized sector. Citizens above 65 years of age, living
below the poverty line are being covered under the Indira Gandhi
Pension Scheme.
My dear countrymen,
In the past four years we have seen a sharp increase in the rate
of investment. This has contributed to an increase in the rate of
growth of the economy.
For the first time in history, we have had four years of nearly
9.0% economic growth. India is among the world’s fastest growing
economies.
But there are new challenges that we face. We have the challenge
of inflation. I know how much each one of you is concerned about
the recent rise in prices. The inflation we have seen this year
is basically due to external factors. All over the world and in
global markets the price of food, fuel and other commodities has
been rising. In many developing countries the rate of inflation
is double that in India.
Our Government has worked hard to ensure that in India the rate
of inflation is not as high as in many other countries. We have
also taken special measures to insulate the poorer sections of our
society from the full impact of rising food and fuel prices. Our
Government has not raised the price of kerosene and fertilizers.
We have not raised the issue price of wheat and rice under PDS.
We are taking determined measures to bring prices under reasonable
control. I have urged all Chief Ministers to improve and strengthen
the PDS to ensure availability of essential commodities to the common
man at reasonable prices. The Reserve Bank of India is moderating
the growth of money supply in the country so that inflation can
be controlled. However, while making these efforts we should avoid
doing anything which hurts our growth.
Brothers and Sisters,
Today, while speaking about the achievements of our Government,
I wish to make one more promise. We have done much, but I realize
that there is more to do. The problem of malnutrition is a curse
that we must remove. Our efforts to provide every child with access
to education and to improve health care services for all citizens
will continue. We need to take forward our initiatives for giving
equal status to women and for their social and economic empowerment.
I promise to you that we will continue striving for the development
and prosperity of our country. We will work hard to take the country
to greater heights in all fields.
Brothers and Sisters,
We must apply modern science and technology to find long term solutions
to our energy problem. Our crude oil and gas reserves are limited.
We must find alternative energy sources. I would like our scientists
and engineers to find ways in which we can make better use of solar
energy, wind energy, bio-gas and other sources of energy.
Our economy must grow at the rate of at least ten per cent every
year to get rid of poverty and generate employment for all. A basic
requirement for sustained growth, and for the development of our
agriculture and industry is availability of energy, particularly
electricity.
All over the world, there is growing realization of the importance
of atomic energy to meet the challenge of energy security and climate
change. It is a clean, environmental friendly and renewable source
of energy.
India’s atomic scientists and technologists are world class.
They have developed nuclear energy capacities despite heavy odds.
But there are handicaps which have adversely affected our atomic
energy programme. We have inadequate production of uranium. The
quality of our uranium resources is not comparable to those of other
producers. Many countries have imposed sanctions on trade with India
in nuclear materials, nuclear equipment and nuclear technology.
As a result, our nuclear energy programme has suffered.
The nuclear agreement that we are negotiating with developed countries
will end India’s nuclear isolation. It will open up new opportunities
for trade in dual-use high technologies and nuclear materials and
equipment, opening up new pathways to accelerate industrialization
of our country. It will enable us to provide electricity to meet
the needs of our farmers, our artisans, our traders and our industry.
Brothers and Sisters,
Four years ago I said to you that an important challenge we face
is the challenge of providing good governance. We have taken several
steps to make Government transparent, efficient and responsive.
The Right to Information Act was one major step. We have initiated
reform and modernization of Government. The National e-Governance
Plan will make it easier for all our citizens to deal with the various
agencies of Government.
We have completed the examination of the report of the Sixth Pay
Commission. We have gone beyond the recommendations of the Commission
in increasing emoluments of government employees. While doing this
we have taken special care of the interests and welfare of our armed
forces and para-military forces, and government employees working
at lower levels in our civil services. This is one more step in
making Government more efficient.
We need more reforms at all levels of Government. We want to improve
our schools, our hospitals and other public services. The Panchayati
Raj Institutions have an important role to play in decentralization
and reform of Government. We must enhance their administrative and
financial powers. I appeal to State Governments to take all possible
steps for improving governance and to help in the Central Government’s
initiatives.
My dear Countrymen,
Terrorism, extremism, communalism and fundamentalism have emerged
as major challenges to the unity and integrity of our country. The
recent terrorist attacks in Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and other
parts of the country have shocked the nation. What words can I find
to condemn such acts of barbarism. I share the sorrow and grief
of people affected by terrorism. The Government of India will take
concrete steps to rehabilitate and help such families.
I commend our security forces and intelligence agencies for the
dedication with which they are dealing with the problem under difficult
circumstances. But I agree that we have to further strengthen our
intelligence agencies and police forces to deal with the problem
of terrorism.
We will examine the functioning of our intelligence agencies and
police and security forces and take all possible steps to equip
them to tackle this challenge. Whatever resources are required,
will be provided. Whatever manpower is required will be provided.
We are firm in our resolve to meet the challenge of terrorism.
I urge the State Governments, all political parties, civil society
groups and social and religious leaders to cooperate with us in
rooting out terrorism from our country.
Brothers and Sisters,
I am confident that we will overcome these challenges. But this
requires hard work and unity of purpose. This requires a politics
of consensus, not confrontation. This requires dialogue among communities,
not discord.
The challenge of communalism, of extremism and of terrorism cannot
be won by a nation divided.
The challenge of environmental and ecological destruction cannot
be won by a society divided.
The challenge of economic modernization and social development
of all, of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, of Other Backward
Classes and Minorities, cannot be won by a people divided.
Brothers and Sisters,
I have said on a number of occasions that I am greatly concerned
about the problem of regional imbalances in development. Some parts
of our country are doing much better than others. Some States are
being left behind. This pattern has persisted for far too long.
We must ensure that the less developed States catch up with the
developed ones.
We must pay special attention to the development of the North-Eastern
region. Our Government has taken several initiatives to increase
public investment in the North-East and in Jammu & Kashmir.
We are investing in infrastructure and in education in these regions
to encourage development and generate employment.
Jammu & Kashmir and the North-eastern region require an era
of peace for them to catch up with the more developed parts of the
country. We have been taking various initiatives to promote peace
and stability in these States. These initiatives will be taken forward.
The recent incidents in the State of Jammu and Kashmir are a cause
for concern. In this hour of crisis, divisive politics will lead
us nowhere. I appeal to all political parties to keep the long term
interests of Jammu and Kashmir in view and come together to find
a permanent solution to the problems of the State.
The sacred shrine of Shri Amar Nath inspires all Indians to march
together. This shrine is a shining example of our secular tradition,
where Hindu pilgrims have been looked after for years by their Muslim
brothers. Issues related to this sacred place, especially the issue
of providing the best possible facilities to pilgrims, can only
be resolved in an atmosphere of peace and goodwill. Dividing people
in the name of religion can complicate these issues further which
can also pose a threat to the unity and integrity of the country.
I appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to cooperate with us
in establishing peace in the State. It is my conviction that all
issues can be resolved only through dialogue and peaceful means.
Brothers and Sisters,
Our ancient Himalayas are under environmental threat. If the Himalayan
glaciers recede, the flow of water in our sacred rivers will go
down. Climate change can disrupt our economy in several ways. Some
of our coastal areas could be submerged. Our monsoon pattern may
change. We need long term solutions to such threats. A national
consensus is also required for the Government to evolve effective
policies to deal with these problems.
Our Government has come forward with a National Action Plan on
Climate Change. This plan shows how each of us must adapt our ways
of working and living and how we must treat our natural resources,
so that our carbon emissions remain within reasonable limits and
our environment is protected.
My fellow countrymen,
Our goal in South Asia is to seek a peaceful, stable and prosperous
neighbourhood. We seek to accelerate the pace of social and economic
development in our country and our region, while safeguarding our
national security. Our foreign policy has been based on these principles.
We wish all our neighbours well. We welcome the strengthening of
democratic forces in our neighbourhood, especially in Bhutan, Nepal
and Pakistan. The recent blasts in our Embassy in Kabul have cast
a shadow over our efforts to normalize relations with Pakistan and
to bring a lasting and honourable peace in our region. I have personally
conveyed my concern and disappointment to the Government of Pakistan.
If this issue of terrorism is not addressed, all the good intentions
that we have for our two peoples to live in peace and harmony will
be negated. We will not be able to pursue the peace initiatives
we want to take. The terrorists and those who support them are enemies
of the people of India and Pakistan, of friendship between the two
countries and of peace in the region and the world. We must defeat
them.
In the last year we have strengthened our relations with the major
powers, Latin American countries, Arab countries and African countries.
We will continue our efforts in this direction, keeping in view
our national interests.
India is today viewed with respect as one of the world’s
fastest growing economies. People of Indian Origin are engaged in
diverse activities around the world and their capabilities are recognized
the world over. Their achievements inspire us. The world today expects
India to regain its due place in the comity of nations. This is
a moment of opportunity for us.
We are rapidly marching forward to regain our rightful place in
the comity of nations. But to reach that goal we have a lot of work
to do at home. We have to overcome each of the challenges I have
spoken about. We have to forge a greater unity of purpose between
various political parties, between different communities, between
all sections of our society, rich and poor.
We have to manage our natural and financial resources more prudently.
We have an obligation to our future generations. We cannot think
only for ourselves. We cannot think only about survival from day
to day, from year to year and from one election to another. We have
to think about the welfare and well-being of our children and grandchildren,
their grandchildren and future generations.
If we resolve to work together as a nation, and work hard and with
commitment to the welfare of all our people, there is nothing that
we cannot do.
Let us resolve today to stand together, to strengthen the unity
and integrity of our country and to stand firm in our determination
to build a new India of our dreams.
My dear children, please join me in saying Jai Hind
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