Will win war against terrorism; bigger aim to win hearts of people: Rajnath

Jammu/Rajouri, Dec 27: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday asserted that war against terrorism would be won by the Indian army with complete elimination of terrorists from J&K yet the bigger aim would be to “win the hearts of citizens of the country.”

Lauding the invaluable contribution of army troops in safeguarding the frontiers of the nation, he, however, reminded them that they had a bigger responsibility to win the trust and love of countrymen as well.

Obliquely referring to the death of three civilians in Poonch, he cautioned that they were duty bound not to commit any mistake which could hurt any citizen of India.

Rajnath Singh was interacting with troops at Rajouri, during his day-long visit to Jammu to review security situation in the aftermath of Poonch terror attack followed by uneasy development of death of three civilians.

Describing them (troops) as the “protectors of the nation”, he, however, had a word of caution and a reminder for their “bigger responsibility.”

“I want to make a special request to you that besides shouldering the responsibility to serve as the guardians of this nation, you also have a bigger responsibility to win the hearts of the countrymen. Though I know you don’t lag behind even on this account and you demonstrate it also very often yet sometimes it happens and a mistake is committed. This should not happen. Ensure that such a mistake, which hurts any citizen of India, should not take place,” he sounded caution.

The Defence Minister asked them to remain actively associated with the citizens of the nation, which they were serving. “Win their trust; enhance understanding; take care of their needs; know about their well-being off and on and redress their grievances as much as possible – all this comes under your responsibility. I believe that our aim here is to win a war; war against terrorism; eliminate terrorists; yet the bigger aim should be to win the hearts of our countrymen,” he stated.

“We will win the war; will emerge victorious in all our battles; we will eliminate terrorists but at the same time we will have to win the hearts of countrymen. This is a great responsibility on your shoulders. I know you make efforts to fulfill it with commitment and sincerity. This is a greater responsibility, more so as the soldiers command a great respect among the countrymen and it is reflected when lakhs of mourners gather to pay last tributes to a martyred soldier,” Rajnath reminded them.

He said, “It is painful beyond words when we lose even a single soldier here or anywhere. We become restless; the whole country goes through the same experience. Terrorism will be wiped out from J&K and the Indian army will achieve this objective undoubtedly. I have full faith in your valour and resolute determination for the same.”

Earlier, at the very outset of his address, he paid tributes to the soldiers killed in action and conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the brave-hearts.

“Big incident occurred. After we received this information, we had a meeting with the Army Chief and other senior officers. Later, the Army Chief visited here to take stock of the situation. Following his visit also, the Army Chief updated about ground situation and other significant inputs. The biggest tragedy for all of us has been that our four soldiers have attained martyrdom here,” he said.

“First of all, as the Defence Minister of India and also as a citizen of this country, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the martyred soldiers and convey my sincere condolences to their families. I also pray to the Almighty for speedy recovery of our injured soldiers. At the same time, I want to assure you that keeping in view the gravity of the situation, all appropriate and desired measures are being taken,” Rajnath assured to boost the morale of troops.

Asserting that the government would always stand by the armed forces, he said that the nation would forever be indebted to the unparalleled valour and sacrifice of the soldiers. He termed the welfare of the armed forces as the government’s top priority and stressed that additional efforts were being made to bolster the security and intelligence framework.

“For us, every soldier is very important and an asset for us. I take them as the members of our family. Every countryman shares this profound sentiment. Believe me, this is simply intolerable for us if someone harms you. To prevent any such incident (terrorist attack), both security and intelligence agencies play a significant role. They are making consistent efforts to make their role further effective on this account. To bolster and strengthen it, whatever cooperation is desired from the government, is given, as and when needed and will be given, even in future. The government’s coffers will always remain open,” he said.

At this point, Rajnath, however, cautioned that incidents like the Poonch terror attack, however, could not be taken for granted.

“But I also believe that such incidents cannot be taken for granted. Though I know that you remain alert always yet we need to be more alert. They way you are performing your duties, this overwhelms us with a sense of gratitude. As you demonstrate your valour; your gallantry fills us all with pride. Nothing can ever compensate for your services and the sacrifices you make in the line of duty for your motherland. They are unparalleled and priceless. When any of our soldiers gets martyred, even if the family gets compensation, the loss of a valorous soul cannot be compensated. That loss remains irreparable,” he said.

“As far as the government is concerned, it always stands by you. Your welfare, your convenience is top priority for us. We take all possible measures to enhance facilities for our soldiers as per the feedback from the concerned quarters. We always hold in great esteem your discipline, sacrifice and steadfast commitment to your duty. Across the world, the Indian army is not viewed as an ordinary army. People believe that the Indian army has grown further stronger and well-equipped even compared to the past,” the Defence Minister said.

Notably, prior to the visit of the Defence Minister, the army gave an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the Next of Kin of three civilians who died while J&K government gave Rs 20 lakh for each deceased as compensation.

While winding up his address, he exhorted the troops to remain extra vigilant, so that no untoward incident could occur in future, reiterating that there should be zero tolerance to terrorism.

Sumit Bhargav contributed to this report from Rajouri.