JOIN USArmy chief Gen Bipin Rawat on Monday received political support for his strong words on ways to fight the upsurge in Kashmir insurgency.
The tension in the Valley has thrown life out of gear for close to 10 months. “If somebody throws stones at the army, should they do nothing? I totally agree with the army chief’s statement,” said Union minister Venkaiah Naidu.
“Our neighbour (Pakistan) is providing funds to stone-pelters. They are funding the separatists as well. They are doing this in order to spread terrorism here. In order to improve the situation in Kashmir, what is necessary should be done. The same has been suggested by the army chief and I completely stand by him,” Naidu said.
In an interview on Sunday, Rawat not only supported Major Leetul Gogoi, who tied a Kashmiri youth to the bonnet of an army vehicle as human shield, but also backed the Major’s tactics.
Last week, Rawat met Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and briefed him about the scenario in Kashmir.
“People are throwing stones and petrol bombs at us. If my men ask me what do we do, should I say, just wait and die? I will come with a nice coffin with a national flag and I will send your bodies home with honour. Is this what I am supposed to tell them as the chief? I have to maintain the morale of my troops who are operating there,” Gen Rawat had said.
The Congress, however, toed a cautious line.
Party spokesperson Manish Tiwari said: “I don’t want to be in the boots of the army chief. The army is dealing with a tough situation. But the fundamental tenets of the counter-insurgency operation is also about winning the hearts and minds.”
DH News Service
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