Jawans don't always get proper food, admits Manohar Parrikar

Former Defence Minister of India and Chief Minister of Goa, Manohar Parrikar has admitted that soldiers fighting at the border may not get proper food all the time. He was advising Goa Police to be tough like jawans and not complain if they do not get food on time while on duty.

"I want our soldiers to get good food. But that is not possible. The media even reported on burnt 'bhakari' served to jawans. But these are just occupational hazards. Things cannot be normal in conflict zones," he said while addressing a gathering in Panaji during the Economic Development Corporation's programme promoting start-ups.

He was irked with news reports that Goa Police was not served food on time during panchayat elections. He even reminded them of the battle of Hajipir.

"Our jawans fought for 72 hours without food or water and it is only because of this commitment that we won Hajipir," he said.

"Goa does not have naxalites. People from Maharashtra work in naxal areas. Goa police should remember that they don't face such situations," he said.

He maintained that a fireman cannot save lives and property if he is worried about his own safety all the time.