Those seeking proof of surgical strikes not loyal to country, govt won’t oblige them: Manohar Parrikar

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday hit out at politicians “seeking proof” of surgical strikes conducted by the Indian army in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) saying no one had ever doubted the bravery of our forces.  

Terming those seeking proof as not loyal to the country, Parrikar said that the government was not going to oblige them by giving proof of the Army action. 

“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,” Parrikar said at a function organised by BJP in Agra.  

Parrikar also slammed people who questioned his capability and 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."

The Defence Minister added that the operation was 100 per cent perfect. 

“We carried out a 100 per cent perfect surgical strike, our nation carries the heart and courage to carry this task out,” he said.  

Parrkiar said that many ex-servicemen have written to him showing 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,” the minister said.  

The Uttar Pradesh unit of the BJP accorded a ‘warm reception’ to Parrikar for the successful surgical strike by the forces.  

Parrikar, the former Chief Minister of Goa, is a Rajya Sabha member from the state.