Cong to govt: be proud of Army’s role

The Congress on Wednesday congratulated the Army for successful operations against terrorists at the Indo-Myanmar border yesterday.

Party leader Ajay Maken — countering the statement of Minister of State Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered a hot pursuit of the militants — said the Congress, on the other hand, is proud of the sacrifice of soldiers.

“This message is now very clear for all those who harboured intentions of terror on our country. Unprecedented though, but our Prime Minister has taken a very bold step and given a go ahead for hot pursuit into Myanmar,” Rathore had said.

“We should be very sensitive in trying to take credit and trying to say where exactly such operation has taken place. I am not sure whether Rathore's statement has the approval of his higher-ups in the government,” Maken said.

“We congratulate the Indian Army for its successful operations. We are proud of our officers and jawans and take great pride in their valour. We also express our condolences to the families of those 18 soldiers who sacrificed their lives six days ago,” he told reporters here when asked about Rathore’s statement.

A statement from the Ministry of Defence said the operations were necessary in light of intelligence reports, which warned of militants planning attacks on Indian soil. It had also appreciated the cooperation between the armies of India and Myanmar against security threats to the nation.

COMMENT NOW