Parrikar now credits Indian Army for surgical strikes

Attempting to downplay the controversy surrounding the September 29 surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC), Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said the Indian Army and 127 crore people of the nation should be applauded for the operation.

Speaking at the 'Strengthening India's Defence Capabilities' event here, Parrikar said, "127 crore people of this country and the Indian armed forces deserve the credit for the surgical strikes. Now, it should be clear where the credit lies. I don't take it."

"There was a burden of helplessness amongst 127 crore people and 13.5 lakh army people of frustration that enemy is continuously bleeding us through 1,000 cuts. The enemy does not even bother that there is UN cry internationally. So, there was a joy all over the nation as the anger was vented out post surgical strike. This has changed mindset of our opponents, now they are worried that there is no predictability with India," he added.

Parrikar further asserted that Indian borders are the safest under Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-NDA government.

"With this government and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji the nation's borders are much secure than they were in 2013," he said.

Parrikar also said that the surgical strikes are the kind of operation which was never conducted before.

"I have been Defence Minister for over two years and from whatever I've learnt, there was no surgical strike anytime earlier," he said.

"What probably they are quoting are action taken by border action teams, which is common practice across globe including Indian Army. In this local commanders take positive action against opponents who have been troubling them to settle the score. It is not an official action approved by Government, these are called covert op without knowledge of anyone," he added.

Parrikar earlier in the day said that he would only share the credit of the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and added that the major share of the success goes to the latter for apt decision making and planning.

"I will only share the credit, major share goes to the Prime Minister. This should settle the nerves of many people," he said.

Parrikar also took a jibe on the cynical criticism surrounding the strikes and said that doubters can also share the credit for the success of the same.

"I understand that people are satisfied," said Parrikar.

Earlier, the opposition parties accused Prime Minister Modi led-NDA government of using the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army on September 29 in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) for electoral gains.