Modern armed forces, but peace with neighbours: Pranab

Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said today that the country was making major strides in modernising its armed forces, but Congress led-UPA...

Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said today that the country was making major strides in modernising its armed forces, but Congress led-UPA government maintained its policy of peace with its neighbours.

Inaugurating Destination… India, a multimedia campaign showcasing the achievements of the UPA Government, Mukherjee claimed that huge amounts sanctioned by Parliament to modernise the forces had remained unutilised for three years. But after the UPA government assumed office, major strides were being made as ‘‘our scientists and engineers are into making light combat aircraft, advanced light helicopters and missiles’’.

He said, ‘‘We do not have any territorial ambitions at the cost of others. That is why we are inviting Pakistan for a dialogue and even asked our armed forced to extend a helping hand to the earthquake victims in Pakistan.’’ While India wanted all its neighbours to live in peace, they in turn should ensure that that India did not suffer due to their policies, he said.

Acknowledging that the country was passing through difficult times, Mjukherjee recalled how the country had lost a PM to terror. ‘‘A large number of innocent people have become victims of mindless violence. If the total number of soldiers killed in the four wars since independence runs is around 9,945, in J-K alone 25,000 innocent lives have been lost. In Punjab, in addition to the number of security personnel, we have lost more than 20,000 lives. In North-East also innocent lives have been lost,’’ he said.

However, claiming that the UPA has established a culture of good governance, he said anybody violating human rights in the armed forces was penalised.