New Delhi: Parents of Kargil martyr Saurabh Kalia today thanked the Centre for indicating that it could approach the International Court of Justice against his brutal torture by Pakistan but said they will believe its assurances only if these are backed by concrete action.
"(External Affairs Minister) Sushma Swaraj has said but has not done anything. After 16 years, a government says that we cannot go to the International court. Today she is saying that we can. So many years have passed by now. It is time for them to take action. If you want to do something then do it," Captain Kalia's mother, Vijaya said.
Reversing its earlier stand, India today said it could approach the ICJ against the brutal torture of the Kargil war hero by the neighbouring country in view of the "exceptional circumstances" of the case.
Swaraj in Udaipur today said, "It has been decided that the way Capt Kalia was tortured created 'exceptional circumstances' and therefore, the government will change its affidavit in the Supreme Court and ask whether under legal provisions they could move ICJ. If the Court gives a nod, then we will take the issue to ICJ."
"Whatever Sushma Swaraj has said today, I am thankful to her, but do something concrete. Only then will I believe you," mother of the slain Kargil war hero said. The parents said the then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had assured them of all possible action against the alleged atrocity, but nothing has been done.
"The then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayeeji had promised us that this issue would be raised with the Pakistan and also on the international level. But I don't think in last 16 years, any government has taken a strong and concrete step.
"This is not only for Captain Kalia or his family, but for the entire army who is doing everything for the nation," said N K Kalia, father of the martyred solider.
Captain Kalia and five other soldiers were captured alive on 15 May, 1999 by Pakistani troops when they had gone out for patrol duty in Kaskar area of Kargil.
They were kept in captivity where they were tortured and their bodies mutilated, triggering outrage in the country. Their bodies were handed over to the Indian side after 15 days.
Captain Kalia's ear drums were punctured with hot rods, his eyes were punctured and his limbs and genitals had been cut off.
Most of his teeth and bones had also been broken. The father of the slain soldier had moved the apex court in 2012, demanding an international probe.
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