Jammu and Kashmir: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured on Wednesday of unwavering government support for the Indian Armys operations to wipe out terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Singh, accompanied by Army Chief General Manoj Pande and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha is on a day-long visit to Rajouri and Jammu following a recent terrorist ambush in Poonch that claimed four soldiers lives and left three injured. The visit also comes after the discovery of three bodies near the ambush site under suspicious circumstances.Interaction with troops in Rajouri. https://t.co/26ogZUsizE— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 27, 2023Full faith in Armys capabilitiesAmidst heightened tensions, Singh expressed unwavering faith in the Indian Armys ability to eradicate terrorism from the state. He asserted, I believe in your bravery and steadfastness... Terrorism should be finished from Jammu and Kashmir and you need to move forward with this commitment. I have full faith that you will achieve victory.Combating terror with vigilance and empathyWhile praising the troops valour, Singh emphasized the need for both operational effectiveness and sensitivity towards the local population. Such incidents (ambush) cannot be taken for granted, he acknowledged, urging increased alertness. You are the guardians of the nation...There is a need to do it with more seriousness and it can be achieved by meeting the people, listening to their problems and raising those issues at appropriate levels for redressal, he stated.#WATCH | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande arrive at Jammu.Defence Minister will visit Rajouri today to review the on-ground situation there. pic.twitter.com/KTGgVdpsDZ— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023Avoiding civilian casualtiesThe Defence Ministers emphasis on avoiding civilian casualties resonated with concerns surrounding the recent deaths near the ambush site. He stressed the importance of not making any mistakes that could alienate the local population.Government support to ArmyFurthermore, the defence minster said, “The Indian Army is not considered an ordinary force in the world. The people accept that the Army is much more powerful than ever and also well-equipped compared to the past. You are the guardians of the nation…There is a need to do it with more seriousness and it can be achieved by meeting the people, listening to their problems and raising those issues at appropriate levels for redressal.”Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the military persons killed and wished speedy recovery to those injured. He aemphaisied, The government treasury is open for further beefing up the security and the intelligence gathering. The sacrifice of the soldiers is unparalleled and cannot be compensated with money. The void can never be fulfilled.”
