Seeking to deflect the criticism faced by security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir as well as shielding defence minister Manohar Parrikar from Opposition fire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that both of them don't speak but act.
Inaugurating Shaurya Samarak, the war memorial at Lal Parade ground in Bhopal, ahead of the BRICS meet in Goa, he recalled the help extended by the Indian Army during the Kashmir floods. "While extending help, my soldiers did not for once think that these are the same people who pelt stones at them," he said. "It is the call of humanity that inspires our armed forces when they help people during natural disasters. Nothing else matters. When we think of the armed forces, we remember their bravery and also their role during natural disasters," he said.
Highlighting the role of the army in the rescue-and-relief operations in Yemen, he said that they also rescued a few Pakistanis. "This is an example of the Indian Army's humane face. We are also one of the biggest contributors to the UN peacekeeping forces," said Modi.
"When I say our Army does not believe in speaking, critics would say Modi is sleeping, doing nothing. Like our Army doesn't speak but displays its valour, our defence minister also doesn't speak but acts," he said.
The PM's statement comes in the wake of the political slugfest over the surgical strikes, with the Congress demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi tame his "belligerent" defence minister. Even on Friday, the party accused the BJP of making political capital out of the issue and indulging in "belligerent chest-thumping", bringing disgrace to the culture of governance in the country.
Modi called on the people to respect and applaud the security forces whenever they see them. "In some countries, whenever people see jawans at airports or railway stations, they stand up and applause. We should also adopt this," he added.
The Prime Minister also hit out at the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government on the One Rank One Pension (OROP). "Previous governments had made empty promises on OROP, but when we came to power, we implemented it." The army will never "forgive" the country if it is found "sleeping" when it should be awake, in comments that come against the backdrop of the recent surgical strikes.
"Our army is the happiest when we sleep in peace. They have no complaints. But they will never forgive us if we sleep when we should be awake. Unfortunately, we have been found sleeping when we should have been awake. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. We have to keep alert always. It will be injustice to the army if we sleep away when we have to be awake," he said.
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