Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday visited Rajouri-Poonch area in Jammu & Kashmir and carried out first-hand assessment of the prevailing situation along the Line of Control (LoC). During his visit Singh was given a detailed brief on the prevalent security situation, counter-infiltration grid and operational preparedness.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Union Minister paid tributes to the martyred soldiers and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. Four Army personnel, including two captains, were killed on 21 December in a terror attack while three others were injured.
Interacting with the troops, Singh assured the troops that the welfare of the Armed Forces is the Government’s top priority. “While our aim is to win a war, to eliminate terrorists, our bigger aim should be to win the hearts of our countrymen. We will win the war, we will win any kind of war, we will eliminate the terrorists but at the same time we have to win the hearts of the countrymen,” Singh said while calling for professional conduct and due diligence while carrying out operations.
The Defence Ministry also said that Rajnath Singh exhorted the troops to remain extra vigilant, so that no untoward incident occurs in future, reiterating that there should be zero tolerance to terrorism. He asked all ranks to undertake operations based on hard intelligence, in accordance with established procedures aided by niche technology. He urged all Commanders to have zero tolerance for violations of the well-established SOPs.
Rajnath Singh also met with the families of the deceased persons in Topa Peer of Bufliaz in Poonch district who had died in the custody of the security forces while being interrogated on the ambush on 21st December. The Defence Minister assured expeditious investigation into the incident culminating into deliverance of justice.
Later, Singh also ecpressed satisfaction for the high level of synergy between the security forces, civil administration, J&K Police, Central Armed Police Forces and other security agencies in projecting a clear message of resoluteness towards improving of the security environment, that is conducive to fostering a new era of development in the Union Territory (UT). He also complimented the local people for their steadfastness and contribution towards joining the mainstream efforts undertaken by the Government of India. It was emphasised that the unity in thought process, alignment and collective resolve for the good of the nation is the most important foundation for achievement of shared aspirations of peace & development in J&K.
