Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar questioned the “loyalty” of those who doubted the Army and sought proof of surgical strikes across the LoC even as he made it clear that there is no need to give out any video of the operation.
Describing the cross-LoC operation as “100 per cent perfect surgical strike”, he said the borders of the country are secure under the Narendra Modi government.
“No one had doubted bravery of our forces ever, but for the first time recently some people are doubting. There are many people who are not loyal to our country and criticized Indian army, but we don’t have to give them any proof,” said Parrikar at a BJP function in Agra.
Parrkiar said that many ex-servicemen have shown willingness to fight on the border if required. “Some ex-servicemen wrote to me and said that they are ready to fight on the border if need arises. I salute them,” said the minister.
Refuting criticism from political opponents of trying to gain political mileage from the army’s operation, Mr Parrikar said any felicitation he witnesses is not aimed at him but at the army and the “leadership of the Prime Minister.” He also said, “Someone said that I am a straight-forward (seedha-saadha). I think the Defence Minister should not be straight when it comes to ensuring the safety of the country.”
A camp of 30 Rashtriya Rifles was attacked by militants on Thursday in Kashmir’s Kupwara district. In the gun battle, three terrorists were killed by the army.
Parrikar also referred to the maritime domain as a key enabler of prosperity that faces a wide spectrum of threats and reiterated India’s support for freedom of navigation, over-flights and unimpeded lawful commerce, based on the principle of international law as reflected notably in the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
