Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday appeared to give credit to “RSS teaching” for the decision to launch cross-LoC surgical strikes even as he slammed those seeking proof for the Indian Army’s anti-terror operation in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
“I wonder, with the combination of Prime Minister who comes from Mahatma Gandhi’s home state, and I, Defence Minister, coming from Goa which never had any martial race, and surgical strikes. Maybe the RSS teaching was at the core, but this was quite a different kind of combination,” Parrikar said in remarks that may trigger a row.
Manohar Parrikar: Mahatma ke goan se aane wale PM,Goa se Defence Min aur surgical strike,equation was diff,maybe RSS teaching was basic core pic.twitter.com/viDMizWdRu
— ANI (@ANI_news) October 17, 2016
Parrikar was speaking at a function, ‘Know my Army’, organised at Nirma University in Ahmedabad. He said the action of Indian Army, whom he described as the world’s best, has increased the sensitivity among citizens regarding national security in a very effective way. The Defence Minister said the Army is giving befitting reply to ceasefire violations by Pakistan.
“From the day of the strike till today, some politicians are seeking proof,” Parrikar said without taking any names. “When Indian Army says something we should believe it. It (Army) is world’s best, professional, brave and having a very high integrity. I do not feel that anybody will seek proof from them (Army) here in Ahmedabad.”

“There are people who will never get convinced even if definite proof is given,” Parrikar said. Parrikar was referring to some sections which have been asking for proof about the surgical strikes. The Army has said the strikes against terror launch pads across the LoC was carried out during the intervening night of September 28-29.
“Violations are regularly taking place for the last five-six years, you can take out figures. But the only thing that has changed now is that we are giving befitting reply,” he said on ceasefire violations. “Two good things have happened after the surgical strikes. First thing is except some politicians, every Indian is rising in unison and standing behind our brave soldiers. And the second thing is we (Indians) have acquired sensitivity regarding national security in a very effective way,” he further said, adding that he is receiving mails suggesting suspicious activities.

“If people see anything wrong, they intimate the police or send me mails. Half of mails I get suggest suspicious activities happening. Many ex-servicemen are also offering their service for the nation, saying that they are retired but can still fight.” To a question on security lapses, Parrikar said, “When you are doing things and if there are lapses in it, then mistakes should be rectified.
On the illegal sneaking-in of people in Gujarat from On the illegal sneaking-in of people in Gujarat from border adjoining Pakistan, Parrikar said, “BSF is tightening security at the border. You also know that this is a difficult area where we cannot put up fences as it is a marshy area. “But we will use technology and fill the gaps to ensure no unauthorised person enters our territory.”
However, people weren’t amused with his bizarre comparison and thus he
“Manohar Parrikar Links Surgical Strikes Decision To ‘RSS Teaching”. Politicisation going too far? https://t.co/P44QuMsq7r
— Vikram Chandra (@vikramchandra) October 18, 2016
For crying shame, @manoharparrikar, there has to be some limit to your politicisation of the Indian army’s anti-terrorist action. https://t.co/Evm5zdkBXZ
— Siddharth (@svaradarajan) October 18, 2016
Fantastic! BJP uses ‘Surgical strikes’ for electoral gains. Now Parikkar credits RSS. But refuses to show evidence!https://t.co/WWDemd6t9R
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) October 18, 2016
Parrikar-‘We made army realize its prowess’.
Parrikar-‘RSS teaching behind Surgical strikes’.Next-Godse was a freedom fighter?— Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) October 18, 2016
RSS teachings, surgical strikes: Parrikar’s claims very worrisome, RSS has never told the truth about anything https://t.co/WzF4G2oPWt
— Hartosh Singh Bal (@HartoshSinghBal) October 18, 2016
The first defence minister to conduct surgical strikes on his own army. Isn’t @manoharparrikar indulging in #KhoonKiDalali? https://t.co/zKPfpTfeIq
— Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) October 18, 2016
@svaradarajan @manoharparrikar @thewire_in Parikar insulting Armed Forces after S Strkes tweets linkage to poisonous Org called RSS shame
— Sunil Kapoor (@SunilKapoorabcd) October 18, 2016
And there were some funny reactions as well:
I thought Smriti Irani would be the comic relief of this Govt, but Defence Minister is leading the charts! https://t.co/crxlGaNSxk
— Abhinav Sonkar (@abhiguitar) October 18, 2016
“Thought Chatur was fictional IIT character but after looking at Parrikar & Chetan, Hirani pe vishwas ho gaya” https://t.co/UFtiye6S59
— Janta Ka Reporter (@JantaKaReporter) October 18, 2016
Before May 2014: I will give full credit to Madam ji’s teaching
After May 2014: Credit goes to RSS. #Puppet— not that arnab (@justicearnab) October 17, 2016
(Feature image source: PTI)
(With inputs from PTI)