Defiant Azam Khan says his comments about Muslim contribution in army should be welcomed

Strongly defending his remark that Muslim soldiers fought for the country during Kargil war, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan on Wednesday said his statement should be welcomed, and asked why people feel bad when talked about the contributions of the Muslim community.

"What is wrong with my statement? It should be welcomed," said a defiant Khan.

"I want to say that if we sacrifice our lives on the borders, if we take back our mountains from Pakistan in the war, then why do people feel bad about it? Why can't we talk about contributions of Muslims for the country?" he asked.

He further said that it is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are questioning the contribution of the Muslims in the country.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad criticized Khan over his remarks and said it is very demoralizing for the Army personnel.

"Soldiers who sacrificed their lives are being categorized based on religion just for votes; nothing can be more unfortunate," he said.

Late on Tuesday, Azam Khan made a remark linking the role played by what he called "Muslim soldiers" in the Kargil conflict during his election campaign in Ghaziabad.

"Those who fought for victory in Kargil were not Hindu soldiers, in fact the ones who fought for our victory were Muslim soldiers," Khan had said.

Khan also went on to say that no one can guard the country's borders better than those from the Muslim community.

"Recruit us in the Indian Army. No one can guard the borders of our nation better than us," he said.