Need proof of surgical strike, BJP using army for political gains: Sanjay Nirupam

Courting a massive controversy, senior Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam on Tuesday called on the Centre to give proof of the surgical strike that took place in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), asserting that by not doing so India was being insulted by Pakistan in the international arena.

An uproar broke out following his tweet which said, "Every Indian wants #SurgicalStrikesAgainstPak but not a fake one to extract just political benefit by #BJP. Politics over national interest".

Stating that the Congress supported every step by the Centre against Pakistan, Nirupam maintained that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was using the achievements of the Armed Forces for political benefits.

"Surgical strikes used to happen before, but they were never publicised. Three surgical strikes happened during the UPA regime, the Congress never displayed a banner about it, but the BJP is putting up banners across the nation. I have even heard that Defence Minister is going to be felicitated in Goa," he said.

Emphasising that reports were emerging from the world questioning the authenticity of the surgical strike and that Pakistan was responsible for these developments, Nirupam called on the Centre to respond to the challenge by the hostile neighbour or the nation will face humiliation.

"I think all claims made by the government on surgical strikes are fake and will be fake until the Centre gives proof that such an operation existed. I am proud of the army and their power, but the Centre is trying to take political advantage and make political gains out of the sacrifice of our soldiers," he said.

When asked if he was questioning the Army's word on the covert operation as the DGMO had made a public announcement regarding the strike, the Congress leader mentioned that such strikes had happened before as well but the DGMO never made a statement on a large scale before.

"After the Uri attack the Centre was under pressure as the entire nation wanted to see action. The world is raising questions now thanks to Pakistan and our government is so weak that it is not responding. Some sort of evidence needs to be provided by the Centre. We cannot bend to their (Pakistan's) propaganda when we have begun the mission to isolate them," Nirupam said.