Defence minister Manohar Parrikar today countered Congress’ claim that there were surgical strikes during UPA rule and said that they are probably talking about action taken by Border action teams, which is common practice.
“I have been Defence Minister for over 2 years and from whatever I've learnt, there was no surgical strike anytime earlier. What they are quoting are probably action taken by Border action teams, which is common practice across globe including Indian Army,” Parrikar said.
Defence minister Manohar Parrikar said that 127 crore people of the country and the Indian armed forces deserve the credit for the surgical strikes carried out by the Army across the LoC.
“127 crore people of this country and the Indian armed forces deserve the credit for the surgicalstrike,” Parrikar said, adding that “there was a burden of helplessness among 127 crore people and 13.5 lakh personnel of armed forces that enemy was continuously bleeding us through 1000 cuts.
The Defence Minister said that the surgical strikes have changed the mindset of our opponents as they are now worried that there is no predictability with India.
Parrikar was speaking at the ‘Strengthening India’s Defence Capabilities’ event in Mumbai where he said that “India does not like war as it brings economic miseries but peace and this dislike for war should not be equated with weakness.”
He added that India needs to think in terms of strength to avoid war.
“India needs to think in terms of strength to avoid war. Therefore, we should strengthen ourselves to a level, where no one dare challenges us for conventional and non-conventional war,” the former Goa Chief Minister said.
Underlying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi tried his best to give opportunity to Pakistan to have good relations, Parrikar said that "our hand of friendship was probably construed as weakness by a few.”
Earlier in the day, Parrikar had said that he only shares a part of the credit in the decision making and planning adding that the major share of credit goes to the Indian Army and the Prime Minister.
"Major share of credit must go to the PM. I will also share the credit for decision-making ability and planning," said the minister.
The Opposition lost no time and charged the BJP government of politicising the issue.
Congress' Manish Tewari thought that Parrikar's conduct was not becoming of a minister.
"Parrikar does not deserve to be the Defence Minister of the country," said Tewari.
Last Thursday, at an event in Lucknow, Defence Minister Parrikar lashed out at politicos for demanding surgical strikes proof.
“No one ever doubted the bravery of our forces, but for the first time some people are expressing doubts… A race seems to be on. There’s a reason why they are asking for proof. Many people are afraid that Modi’s image will increase (after the surgical strikes).”
