New Delhi determined to take bold decisions to protect India’s integrity
Guwahati: Felicitating the veterans of 1971 Indo-Pak war at a function in the city on Saturday, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh described them as important assets of the nation who are an inspiration to every citizen. Paying tributes to those, who made the supreme sacrifice in their services, Singh stated that an in-service soldier is India’s strength and a veteran is an ever-lasting inspiration to stand by that strength.
Over 300 war veterans, Veer Naris and their families attended the ceremony organised by the State government to honour the valour, dedication and sacrifice of the brave-hearts who fought the enemy and ensured victory in the 1971 war. Bangladeshi veteran of 1971 war Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir was awarded with a Padma Shri and some of veterans of 1965 war were also felicitated in the function.
“Our forces in the 1971 war comprised soldiers from every religion. But that did not win us the war. It was the strong thread of Indianness that held our soldiers together which ensured our victory,” said Singh while paying homage to field marshal Sam Manekshaw, general Jagjit Singh Arora, lt gen JFR Jacob, major general Sujan Singh Uban and air chief marshal IH Latif for leading India to a historic triumph in the Bangladesh war.
The victory provided India with a strategic advantage as there has never been any tension on the Indo-Bangladesh border because Dhaka remains New Delhi’s friend, commented Raksha Mantri and also credited the coordination between New Delhi and north-eastern State governments that has ensured peace & stability on the Indo-Bangladesh border. Singh appealed to the citizens to safeguard the unity & integrity of the country with the same nationalism and patriotism with which the soldiers protect the borders.
Speaking about the removal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from many areas of the region, Singh asserted that it was the outcome of durable peace & stability in northeast India. Some people believe that the Indian Army does not want AFSPA to be removed, but in reality, the military prefers a minimal role in internal security. Once the situation normalises in Jammu & Kashmir, the AFSPA would be removed from there, he added.
Singh voiced the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthen the country’s security apparatus to deal with internal and external threats, adding that India has taken a firm stand to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and have protected the citizens from the menace. He assured the people across the country that the government does not and will not hesitate to take bold decisions to protect the unity and integrity of the great country.
In presence of Assam Governor professor Jagdish Mukhi, State chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and a host of other dignitaries, Singh also lauded the Border Roads Organisation for strengthening the infrastructure in border areas, saying that all efforts are being made to bolster the far-flung areas. He also shed light on Atal tunnel and under-construction Sela tunnel which is expected to provide all-weather connectivity to enhance the defence preparedness.
New Delhi determined to take bold decisions to protect India’s integrity
