Manohar Parrikar links surgical strikes to his and PM Modi’s ‘RSS teaching’
"When Indian Army does something we should remember that this is one of the world's best, professional, brave and an army with high integrity," said Parrikar.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar (PTI Photo)
Giving credit to the teachings of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said Monday that a Prime Minister from the land of Mahatma Gandhi and a defence minister from Goa were a “different kind-of combination” that backed the Indian Army in carrying out surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC).
WATCH | Pakistani troops violate ceasefire in Jammu Kashmir’s Rajouri District
Speaking at a “Know Your Army” event organised at the Nirma University campus, Parrikar said, “I wonder that a Prime Minister from land of Mahatma Gandhi and a defence minister from Goa and surgical strikes… maybe the RSS teachings was there, but this was very different kind of a combination.”
He said both Prime Minister and he have been facing a tough situation when people began questioning them after the Uri attacks. “After 18 soldiers were martyred in Uri we had to face a lot of difficult situations. Till the 29th of September, the Prime Minister was targeted on the social media and in other media. Some share of the criticism was also directed towards me,” Parrikar added.
Criticising “some politicians” for seeking proof, the defence minister equated them with his own grandmother. “Some people have been seeking proof (of surgical strikes)…. When America sent the first human to moon, my 72-year-old grandmother did not believe it. She asked for proof. When photographs were shown to her, she still did not believe it. She was never convinced till her death… Some people will never get convinced even if solid proof is given.. When Indian Army does something we should remember that this is one of the world’s best, professional, brave and an army with high integrity,” he told an audience largely consisting of students and faculty members.
Narrating the exploits of the Indian Army in World War-II, Parrikar said, “This is my Army. I do not need any proof when they say something. In this country there was a lethargic attitude as far as security of the country
was concerned. Two good things have happened due to the surgical strikes. Except for few politicians, I see every Indian rising in unison and standing behind our brave soldiers. Secondly, there is increased sensitivity regarding national security.”
Talking about the “Make in India” campaign, the defence minister called on the engineering students to associate themselves with the campaign. “Buying foreign goods may look attractive. When there is no option we have to buy.
But, many items we need to manufacture ourselves, because if there is a war anytime, we should be prepared,” he said at the event where Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and General Office Commanding of Golden Katar
Division Major General SK Parashar were also present.
When quizzed about the continuing cease-fire violations by Pakistan on the Indo-Pak border, Parrikar told mediapersons, “Cease-fire violations have taken place in hundreds since the last five-six years, you can check out the
figures. The only difference is that if they do it now, we give them a befitting reply.” Parrikar’s comments came a day after a jawan was killed in firing by Pakistani troops in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani too praised the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army. “Gujarat is a border state that share both land and sea boundaries with Pakistan. We need to be more alert. Instructions have been given to the local administration to provide all help to the armed forces,” Rupani said during his speech.”
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