 "Under fire, Antony justifies statement in RS on LoC killings")
Under attack for his statement on the killing of five Indian soldiers on LoC, Defence Minister A K Antony today maintained that his contention about the involvement of terrorists in the assault was based on "whatever information" he had.
He told Rajya Sabha that he will get back to the House if he got more details about yesterday's incident in Poonch after the visit of Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh to Jammu today.
"When as Defence Minister I make a statement in Parliament, I have to clarify on whatever information I have. Today, Army Chief has gone to the area, let him come back. If there are some other details, I will convey to you," he said.
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Antony said, "Regarding the defence and protection of integrity of the country, the nation is one, Parliament is one...There is no compromise on this."
He spoke in the House amidst all-round attack on him, with opposition accusing him of making a "false statement" on the killing of Indian soldiers.
The House witnessed uproar over the issue and saw three adjournments in the pre-lunch session.
While BJP earlier sought a clarification and apology from him, they accused him of "giving an escape route to Pakistan" by his statement which they said "impeached upon national security".