India is probably the only nation in the world where politics plays a key role to dent the morale of the armed forces. Some vested interests while trying to score a political point tend to forget the contribution and sacrifice made by the armed forces. It’s definitely good to criticise the government when it fails to fulfill the responsibilities and obligations owed to people of the country. But, criticising the government at a time when it was motivating the soldiers to give a befitting reply to the enemy makes no sense.
I recently came across a post on social media, which spread false information and lies. It criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and claimed that 59 Indian soldiers were killed by Pakistani Army in the last 130 days. I was shocked to see that many people, including the so-called intellectuals hitting the like button and comment in support of that propaganda. It was not the lone exception. Many such campaigns were launched on social media, taking a dig on Narendra Modi and his government without verifying the facts on ground.
It was Pakistan, which started the firing on border without any provocation. At least nine civilians were killed and scores of people including some jawans were injured as well. The heavy firing, just two hours after India beat Pakistan in Asiad men’s Hockey final, caught the Indian troops by surprise. When Pakistan did not relent and continues the onslaught, they responded strongly, causing heavy casualties on the other side of the border. At least 18 terrorists, 25 Pakistani civilians and many Pakistani Rangers were killed in retaliation. Over 50 Pakistani posts were destroyed. That put Pakistan on back foot and saw a decline in the firing incidents subsequently.
Support Independent Journalism? Keep us live.
However, some political parties questioned the delay in action in the wake of PM’s election campaigns in Maharashtra and Haryana. Congress scion Rahul Gandhi, who suddenly woke up to lead the electoral campaign in Maharashtra, created a flutter when he said that the Indian PM did not raise the Chinese incursion issue with their President Xi Jinping. It is known to the world that the issue figured in the joint press conference of both leaders and only because of Modi’s strong stand, the Chinese troops withdrew from Ladakh by September 30.
The Congress was right in saying that BJP had politicised such issues in the past. But, the BJP raised the issues because the UPA II Government failed to act and allowed our soldiers to be butchered. But, this is not the case now. Narendra Modi has deployed NSA Ajit Doval, who has already given a free hand to the Indian Army and BSF to retaliate. India also refused to hold any talks or flag meetings with Pakistan, which put much pressure on their Army and political establishment.
If we criticise the government at a time, when Army and BSF are giving a strong reply to Pakistan, that will demoralise them further and bring huge disappoint to the troops. They expect our politicians to rise to the occasion and back them in the hours of crisis and glory both. Forget about politics, India needs to stand by its brave hearts who have vowed not to give an inch to either China or Pakistan and continue to offensive without any fear.
Comments are closed.