No reason now to release video of surgical strikes: Parrikar

Agra, Oct 6:

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said there is no reason to release the video of the surgical strikes across the Line of Control after what has been brought out by the media on the army action.

Bringing an end to the demand for disclosure of evidence of the surgical strikes conducted across the Line of Control (LoC), he said: “After the telecast of the interview of the Pakistan police officer by a news channel on the surgical strikes, there is no reason left to release the video of the strike.”

“I am happy that a TV channel worked as a detective and spoke to SP of Mirpur range in PoK,” Parrikar said.

The Defence Minister also thanked CNN News18 TV channel, and added, “No more proof is needed… the media has given enough proof.”

Lauding the army for the surgical strikes, he said, “I am proud of our soldiers, when asked to conduct a surgical strike not only they conducted a strike but achieved hundred per cent success. World would not have seen such a perfect surgical strike ever. Our soldiers are capable of performing a perfect strike which is not heard even from forces of the leading nations.”

Parrikar further said,”I can assure you that under the leadership of Narendra Modi the borders of India are safe. On one hand, I am asking you to be assured but on the other hand there are elements in the country who have raised question on the bravery of the Indian forces. I don’t wish to name them.”

The Minister thanked and praised the retired servicemen for writing to him and expressing their desire to serve at the border in case of war. He was addressing a public event in Agra.

He also advised people to remain vigilant and observant as there are elements who are ready to attack the armed forces “out of frustration” due to the success of the surgical strikes, and added if any one observes any “suspicious elements” then one should bring it to the notice of the forces.

“The honour that you have bestowed upon me, I think you are honouring our soldiers and I will convey this to them. I want to assure you that this Defence Minister, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, will do whatever is expected of him,” Parrikar said. (IANS)