Stepping up pressure on the Centre over the prevailing tension along the LoC, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday attacked the government saying it has failed to protect nation’s honour and evoke confidence among the people.
“This government has shown that it is neither capable of protecting the boundaries nor the dignity of its citizens.
This government is not doing anything substantial and does not evoke any confidence in the minds of the people,” senior party leader Murli Manohar Joshi told reporters here.
Asked to comment on views expressed by other political parties that war is the only option left with Pakistan, he said it should be decided by government and Army.
“This option is to be decided by Army and government. But if necessary to save the honour of the country, if it is decided by Army or by government, we will support it,” Dr. Joshi said.
He observed that government’s policy regarding national security is very weak and it is not treating Pakistan the way it should be treated.
“Government must answer why it is not happening, why this government is behaving like this, why are they silent, why are they not assuring the country that it is safe with them,” he said.
Dr. Joshi, CPI leader A B Bardhan and JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav were interacting with reporters during a joint press conference to oppose the Centre’s decision to allow FDI in multi-brand retail.
Replying to a question on the mutilation of dead bodies of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani troopers, Bardhan said, “It’s inhuman and this is a war crime. It’s against Geneva Convention. Do we treat soldiers like this? This is a question of national sovereignty.”
Dr. Joshi also said the Army should take appropriate action and weed out its weak commanders in wake of the incident.
“We want to tell Army that it should weed out such weak commanders. Someone beheaded (our soldiers) and there is no response to it. Army should have immediately responded in a dignified and appropriate manner, which did not happen,” the BJP leader said.
War for what?!!! what will be the objective to achieve after such a war? at what stage will we stop such a war and call it success? will it guarantee no such future alleged transgressions by Pakistan or India? Have Indis's elder statesmen gone crazy?? I have litttle respect for Sushman Swaraj but I thought some one like Murali Manohar Joshi would be more sensible. I can understand army being trigger happy, but politicians too???
Contrary, to some parties' opinion war may not be the only option
available. The action to be taken needs to be two-pronged: 1. To get
back the severed head of our soldier and 2. To make it clear that
Pakistan cannot get away with its violations. Both of them could be
achieved without opting a war. For example, the stand-off by ABVP on
Parliament attack is such an act where the international pressure was
mounted against Pakistan. Though it was enough due to the strategic
advantages it enjoys in the view of US and China, it was definitely an
act in the right direction. One of the reasons for Pakistan's repeated
violations is due to the confidence provided by our inept Govt., that
the business will be as usual after so jingoism and heated rhetoric.
Covert action is another option! I would urge BJP to play its role as
opposition responsibly instead of indulging in mudslinging. They could
have made a TV debate about the available options instead...!
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