Shiv Sena was first in recognising need for force against Pakistan, says Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Raut on Thursday claimed that his party was the first organisation in the country to urge the government to take a strong stand against Pakistan.

Speaking in light of the frequent ceasefire violations by the Islamic Republic and the subsequent deteriorating relations between the two countries, Raut said, "Taking about taking a strong stand against Pakistan was first raised by the Shiv Sena. When we made our statement, we were criticised but time has proved us to be right. Five Indians were killed on Bakrid in Kashmir and more than 100 people have been injured. Pakistan even today is not showing any signs of improving its low conduct."

"If Pakistan, despite the ceasefire, adopts a stance of war against us, we too shall reply with war. If we adopt a policy to fight fire with fire, only then, will Pakistan back down. Otherwise, they will continue to be an irritant for us. If they will kill two of our jawans, we will kill ten of their jawans," he added.

Raut also was not satisfied with Defence Minister Arun Jaitley's terming the firing back at Pakistan by Indian troops as a 'strong response'.

"As far as Arun Jaitley's comments are concerned, we will only consider that India has given a strong response to Pakistan's incursions when they retreat from Kashmir, including Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and stops the frequent ceasefire violations at the borders," he said.

Raut also took a dig at Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, after a car allegedly used by the former deputy chief minister was seized by the police with Rs four lakhs.

"As far as Ajit Pawar is concerned, it is an insult that only Rs four lakh were recovered from the bag. He is responsible for scams worth thousands of crores, so a bag meant for him should have at least Rs five crores," said Raut.