Nation needs you to neutralise the enemy: Parrikar to armed forces

Parrikar, who was at the 66th Army Day celebrations, also said that he was proud of the martyred soldiers

In the wake of the recent Pathankot terror attack, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday boosted the morale of the armed forces and said the nation needs to neutralise the enemy, adding that is what should be the target.

Parrikar, who was at the 66th Army Day celebrations here, said that he was proud of the martyred soldiers.

"This is my opinion and not of the state... Anyone who harms you, he understands the same language. How, when and place should be of your choice, but if someone is harming this country I think that particular individual or organisation, I am saying individual or organisation on purpose should also receive the pain of such activity. Unless such pain is transmitted, he will enjoy giving pain to us," he said.

Respecting the valour of the martyred soldiers, the Defence Minister said that he was deeply pained when a soldier lost his life.

"We are proud of (our) seven soldiers. But I get pained when my soldiers die. I don't appreciate it. When our soldiers die, I always tell them that you think of concept of taking life of your enemy or enemy of the country instead of giving your life. Sacrifice is always respected, beyond doubt. But nation needs you to neutralise the enemy and that is what should be the target," he added.

The Defence Minister also lauded the armed forces role in the recent Chennai Floods, calling it 'par excellence'.

"With all difficulties, they (armed forces) reached there (Chennai). I know because I was monitoring it from Zero Hour. It was a fantastic performance done against all odds but didn't get focused to the level it should have," he added.