The minister emphasised that the Indian government wants healthy relations with Pakistan but added that if it continues to remain adamant, then a "Kargil-like war" may have to be repeated.
Addressing a press conference here, the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment said Pakistan should be given a befitting reply for the despicable act of mutilating the bodies of two Indian soldiers.
Last year, the Indian forces had said that they had carried out surgical strikes against militant launch pads across the LoC and inflicted significant casualties.
Speaking here, Athawale said Pakistan is trying to incite the youth of Kashmir and pushing them in terror activities due to which it should be taught a bitter lesson.
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"If Pakistan to remains adamant then we need to repeat a war like Kargil. However, our government wants to have healthy relationship with our neighbour. Pakistan should act to stop inhuman and terrorist activities. Pakistan should come forward for peace dialogue. But if it wants Pakistan to hurt us then we also know how to give a tit for tat reply," he added.
"We cannot take lives of humans for the sake of protecting cows. We have laws to protect cows," he said.
On triple talaq issue, Athawale said that giving divorce only by saying three words is injustice to women.
"Muslim women are upset with the practice and even a section of the Muslim community also opposes it. There is need to bring about a change as divorce is a mutual decision and courts are there to deal with such issues," he said.
"Dr Rajendra Prasad was chairman of the constituent assembly and Dr Ambedkar was its member. Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru had expressed faith on Dr Ambedkar's acumen and he was made chairman of the constitution drafting committee. He was then called architect of the constitution," Athawale said.