Assuring the countrymen that the Modi Government will not compromise on security of the country, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar announced that any terror attack would be given a befitting reply.
“Terrorists would be neutralised at any cost. Security of the country is on the top most agenda of the NDA Government. Any future terror attack would call for severe retaliation by our security personnel,” said Parrikar.
Claiming that the situation in Kashmir valley is improving, Defence Minister disclosed that the probe has found out money was being given to people to pelt stones and the people were even threatened to create disturbances in the Valley. “We respect those who sacrifice their lives for the country,” he said.
Addressing a function where Defence Minister was honoured for carrying out surgical strikes in PoK Parrikar said the Army has been given a free hand to deal with terrorism. Even today three infiltrators were gunned down in Kashmir.
He, however, attributed the success of the surgical strikes to the Army and appreciated the political will power of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Real hero is Army and I am just its representative. The political understanding and leadership capability of the PM has changed the mindset of the people,” he said.
Reacting to the Opposition tirade questioning authenticity of the surgical strikes Parrikar said: “It was like a child failing every time in the boards and suddenly he passes with distinction. I am referring to the past Governments which lacked political will but Narendra Modi came and showed political statesmanship that changes global scenario,” he said.
Appealing to people for continuing their support for the Army Parrikar said, “This honour is only for the jawans protecting our international borders. It is like a fixed deposit and I will convey them this when I visit them soon.”
“We have to think of jawans who are posted in terrain like Siachan where the temperature is minus 60 degree. They are living example of patriotism but they also worry for their families staying in their native places,” he said.
Earlier State BJP president Keshav Prasad Maurya welcoming and honour the Defence Minister, who is Rajya Sabha MP from UP, claimed that till Parikar is our Defence Minister no one can threat us and our borders are safe.
He also commented that the trio of - PM Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parikar and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, all represents UP and they have proved themselves that they are real patriot.
Before the function, a two minutes silence was observe in memory of the martyrs.