India ready to cross Line of Control if....: Rajnath Singh's stern warning on Kargil Diwas
PTC News Desk: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Wednesday that while Indian Army soldiers did not cross the Line of Control (LoC) during the Kargil War in 1999, they could have gone inside enemy territory if they had chosen to.
Speaking at an event commemorating soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty at the 24th Kargil Vijay Divas on Wednesday, the Defence Minister stated, "The honour and dignity of the nation are above everything else for us. And to save or restore our country's honour and territorial integrity, we can go to any extent. The reason why our forces did not cross the LoC after emerging victors in 'Operation Vijay' on July 26 1999 is because we are a peace-loving country, which is rooted in its values and is committed to international laws."
"We did not cross the LoC (during the Kargil conflict) but it does not mean if could not or cannot do so. We reserve the right to cross the LoC to defend our borders and will do so if needed. Let there be no doubt about it," he added.
He claimed that the Kargil conflict was imposed on India.
"We did try to resolve all issues with Pakistan through diplomatic channels but were backstabbed. Late Prime Minister Atal-Ji had made sincere efforts to address and resolve all issues, including Kashmir, by visiting Pakistan. However, as part of its nefarious designs, Pakistan sent its soldiers to capture some of our positions in Kargil. The enemy occupied vantage points and were strongly placed," he said.
He further added that Indian Army gave a befitting reply to Pakistani intruders during "Operation Vijay", sending a message not only to the cross-border rival but to the entire world, that when it comes to its national interests, the Indian army will not back down at any cost.
"Even today, we are fully committed to safeguarding our national interests. It doesn't matter who is in front of us. The public has reposed its faith in us and knows that the government will never compromise on the issue of national interest. Whether it is about Kargil or another incident, our army showed that wars are not fought with bombs and guns but on the courage of conviction and valour," the Union Minister said.
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- ANI
