Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said the Indian Army was giving a befitting reply to ceasefire violations by Pakistan even as he hit out at those seeking proof of cross LoC surgical strikes.
"Violations are regularly taking place for the last five-six years, you can take out figures. But the only thing that has changed now is that we are giving effective reply," he said.
To a question on security lapses, Parrikar said, "When you are doing things and if there are lapses in it, then mistakes should be rectified."
Surgical strikes, he said, have increased the sensitivity among Indians regarding national security in a very effective way.
"From the day of strike till today some politicians are seeking proof," Parrikar said without taking any names.
"When Indian Army says something we should believe it. It (Army) is world's best, professional, brave and having a very high integrity. I do not feel that anybody will seek proof from them (Army) here in Ahmedabad," Parrikar said.
"Two good things have happened after the surgical strikes. First thing is except some politicians, every Indian is rising in unison and standing behind our brave soldiers. And the second thing is we (Indians) have acquired sensitivity regarding national security in a very effective way," he said at a function here of Nirma University, called 'Know my Army'.
Parrikar praised the university for organising such a programme and called upon youths to join the Army.
Later, Parrikar while talking to reporters, said one thing is clear that his government is serious about national security.
On the illegal sneaking-in of people in Gujarat from border adjoining Pakistan, Parrikar said, "BSF is tightening security at the border. You also know that this is a difficult area where we cannot put up fences as it is a marshy area. But we will use technology and fill the gaps to ensure no unauthorised person enters our territory.
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Meanwhile addressing a group of ex-servicemen in Pune, Parrikar said the government has given "full freedom" to the army to conduct any counter-insurgency operation.
"If any officer from armed forces goes out on a counter- insurgency or counter-terrorist operation, government gives full freedom to them to do whatever they feel is right and I am not going to stop them.
"During winter time all these militants, who hide in adjoining jungles, come to the villages to take shelter and this is the best time to flush them out," said Parrikar.
He said if specific information is there and if somebody tries to create obstruction or hindrance, the army knows how to deal with such elements and it takes that freedom.
He further said, "Army knows that person without weapon should not be attacked, but if anybody is coming in between such operations and helping terrorists, it also knows how to deal with such people."
The Defence Minister said there is nothing wrong in the statement by General Rawat. "There was no need of indulging in politics over this statement as it was give by the Army Chief himself."
Parrikar also addressed couple of election rallies in the city where the civic body polls will be held on February 21.
