Expressing surprise over the statement by Congress MP Manishankar Ayyar on martyrdom of the soldiers, former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Maj Gen (Ret) Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri raised strong objection. Khanduri said, “Whether it involves a soldier or many, martyrdom is martyrdom.
Soldiers deployed at the border perform their duty without caring for their lives as they are dedicated to protect the border of the nation. His statement that such a big step can not be taken just because of five soldiers’ martyrdom is sheer insult to their sacrifice.” He said that Mani Shankar Ayyar should not forget that jawans deployed at the border represents the country at boundary. Any happening with them is equal to the challenge to the nation. He called controversial statements over sacrifice of the jawans by some leaders unfortunate.
“Mani Shankar Ayyar is a seasoned and sincere politician. I didn’t expect such a statement from him,” Gen Khanduri said. He appealed the political parties to make any statement over such a sensitive matter after thinking over it seriously. He said there is immediate need to think over the matter that any such statement leave what impact on the morale of the families of the soldiers and nation as well. He said that political parties can continue their politics only when borders of the country are safe.