'Even their friend Pakistan hasn't denied': PM Modi on Congress questioning surgical strikes

PM Modi (File)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that opposition leaders should at least look at Pakistan's reaction to the surgical strikes carried out by India before questioning the country's armed forces or the Centre.

In an exclusive conversation with News 18, PM Modi said that even Pakistan has not openly denied surgical strikes and their leaders brought up the issue in the National Assembly.

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“Congress has intense hatred for the defence forces of the country. If you remember, they had once referred to then then army chief as ‘Gali ka Goonda’. What else can you expect from someone who holds such views about the army?" he asked.

The prime minister added: “Even Pakistan does not say that surgical strikes did not happen. Pakistan’s leaders have said in their Parliament that India is conducting air strikes, surgical strikes but they are sitting idle. If they [Congress] don’t trust us or the security forces of the country, they can at least listen to what their friend Pakistan has to say.”

Indian Army carried out cross-border surgical strikes in September 2016 in response to the Uri terror attack in J&K. In February 2019, the Indian Air Force carried out similar air strikes in Balakot against a Jaish-e-Muhammed training camp after the Pulwama attack.

However, several opposition leaders have raised questions about the surgical strikes, saying there is no proof that India carried out the anti-terror operation in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

Last week, Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy raked up the issue, saying that there is no evidence that the Air Force carried out Balakot air strikes. The remark triggered a backlash from BJP leaders, including Union home minister Amit Shah.