Lt. Gen. (retired) D.S. Hooda’s remarks on the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army in 2016 have created needless controversy (“‘Modi politicised surgical strikes’,” December 9). The strikes did boost the morale of the Army and also reassured us of the abilities of our defence forces. The Centre deserves praise for clearing this bold step. Has not the Congress taken claim for the successful liberation of East Pakistan in 1971? The bold and historic decision was successfully carried out by the Indian Army, which won Indira Gandhi wholesome praise. Who can forget the Congress winning the subsequent parliamentary elections with a thumping majority? The Narendra Modi government is not wrong in claiming its share of credit for the surgical strikes.
S.V. Venkatakrishnan,
Bengaluru
The surgical strikes were thoroughly politicised by the government not only in India but also abroad. Operations of security forces, especially in a sensitive zone, must be carried out with confidentiality. The hype over the strikes, as if they were resorted to for the first time, was misplaced. The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is still a matter of concern and the effect of the surgical strikes on terror is debatable. It is better to concentrate on the all-important task of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Control than brag about something done two years ago.
J. Anantha Padmanabhan,
Tiruchi
