Have full faith army will wipe out terrorism from J&K: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Srinagar: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted on Wednesday that he has full faith in the security forces to eradicate terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir.

“I believe in your bravery and steadfastness. Terrorism should be eradicated from Jammu and Kashmir, and you need to move forward with this commitment. I have full faith that you will achieve victory,” Singh said while addressing troops in the border Rajouri district of Jammu.

“(But) we will have to make sure to win the hearts of the people. You have a huge responsibility on your shoulders, and for that, we will always be grateful to you," he added.

The Defence Minister, who visited Jammu and Kashmir days after an ambush by militants on Army vehicles in Poonch left four soldiers dead, stated that he will not tolerate "anyone keeping an eye on the army".

“Our army has become more powerful and well-equipped than ever before,” he said but added that no amount of compensation can adequately compensate for the sacrifice and martyrdom of soldiers.

“I will pray for the speedy recovery of the Army personnel who sustained injuries. I would like to assure you that keeping in mind the severity of the incident, the required steps are being taken. Every single one of our army personnel is important to us,” Singh added.

On his day-long visit, the Defence Minister reviewed the security situation in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, where the army has initiated a massive operation to flush out a group of heavily armed terrorists believed to be hiding in the upper reaches of the region.

Reports stated that before Rajnath reached Rajouri, two family members of each civilian allegedly killed in custody a few hours after being picked up by the Army on December 22 were in town on Wednesday for a meeting with the Defence Minister.

One of the family members told reporters that they had been brought to the venue from their homes in Topa village near Poonch district’s Bufliaz area in vehicles arranged by the administration.

On Tuesday, Brigadier M P Singh, Commander of Sector 6 Rashtriya Rifles, and Commanding Officer of the 16 Rashtriya Rifles visited them and assured strict action against those responsible for the death of their family members.

The administration has already promised Rs 30 lakh, a government job, and a 10 marla plot in Surankote to the next of kin of each deceased.