Release surgical strikes' proof, subject to security considerations: Congress

After asking the Centre to counter the Pakistani propaganda on the Indian Army's surgical strikes across the LoC, the Congress on Wednesday supported the release of evidence on the military action, "subject to considerations of national security".

"Subject to the considerations of national security, we again request the government to use all information, evidence and instruments at their disposal in calling the Pakistani bluff," Congress spokesperson R.P.N. Singh told media here.

The army announced that it had carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control early on September 29 to destroy seven terrorists' launch pads and inflicted "significant casualties" on terrorists and those who supported them.

The Congress leader said it was time to support the Indian armed forces in fighting terror and not make loud claims.

The opposition party urged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to reflect on the "immature conduct" of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and other Cabinet ministers "who are trying to politicise the sacrifice of our jawans".

"In these challenging times, the entire nation should speak in one voice and support the armed forces in demolishing terror infrastructure instead of making loud claims," Singh said.

Singh said it was the BJP that attempted to politicise the issue for "myopic political gains".

"We have not a shred of doubt in the capabilities of our armed forces and we are extremely proud of their valour and commitment to the nation. We are united in our fight against terrorism and we have conveyed the same in the all-party meeting held after the surgical strikes."

The Congress again raked up the visit of Inter-Services Intelligence officials as part of a Joint Investigation Team from Pakistan after the Pathankot attack.

"... (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi ji and (BJP chief) Amit Shah ji ensured a 'warm welcome' to the JIT members, including officials of the infamous ISI," the Congress leader said.

"Shah went to the extent of assuring the nation that Pakistan had made serious effort in the Pathankot terror probe," he added.

--IANS

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