India now in list of countries that avenge soldiers’ deaths: Amit Shah

Underlining the shift in India’s policy of dealing with Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, Bhartiya Janata Party president Amit Shah has praised Prime Minister Narendra for adding India to the list of the countries. which avenge the death of their soldiers like the US and Israel. “Earlier, there were two countries known to avenge their soldiers’ deaths — the US and Israel. After the two incidents (Uri and Pulwama), Narendrabhai (PM Modi) has added India’s name on that list. It’s a matter of pride for our nation, its security and the commitment towards the sacrifice made by our jawans,” Mr Shah said in Ahmedabad on March 3. Mr Shah slammed the opposition parties for seeking proof of the Indian Air Force (IAF) strike, which is reported to have killed more than 300 terrorists at Balakot, the biggest training camp of Jaish e-Mohammad, in Pakistan. JeM has claimed responsibility for the killing of Indian paramilitary personnel at Pulwama in Kashmir. Praising forces for fighting terrorism by going deep into the terrorist camps, Mr Shah applauded the role of the Army and PM Modi for targeted retaliation in the aftermath of Pulwama attack, which killed 40 personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). “After Uri, our forces went into Pakistan and carried out surgical strikes. They avenged the death of our soldiers. After Pulwama, everyone thought there could be no surgical strikes, what will happen? But under (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi’s leadership, the government carried out an air strike after the 13th day and killed more than 250 terrorists,” Mr Shah said. Comparing India’s response of dealing with terrorists under the previous governments, Mr Shah said that the Indian Army was “humiliated” and attacked by terrorists. Now, this has changed under the leadership of Mr Modi, he said. “Earlier our jawans used to be beheaded and insulted but today the situation is such that when our jawan fell in Pakistan while shooting down an F-16, within 24 hours he was back. This change is because of Narendra Modi’s will power.” Mr Shah was referring to the return of the Indian Air Force pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandhan Varthaman, who was released within 60 hours after he was captured by Pakistan. Attacking the opposition for questioning the IAF’s strike against Pakistan-based terror camp, Mr Shah said they should be ashamed of calling themselves Indian citizens. “Those demanding proof are helping Pakistan,” he said, adding that politics should not stoop to such low levels as politicising issues of national security.