New Delhi: In a strong message to the neighbouring countries which harbour terror groups and use them against India, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Colonel (retired) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Wednesday said that attack on Indians is unacceptable anywhere and the country's armed forces will carry out surgical strikes at the place and time of their choosing.
Speaking to the Zee Media, the minister said, “Attacks on Indians are not acceptable anywhere, we will carry out surgical strikes at the place and time of our own choosing.”
Describing the surgical strike inside Myanmar as an "extremely bold" decision by the government, Rathore said, “We will not succumb to any external pressure. Our Army posses the capability to destroy those who want to disturb peace, law and order in the country.”
Elaborating much on Tuesday's operation against the Myanmar-based terrorists, who were allegedly involved in the deadly attack on a convoy of 6 Dogra Regiment in Chandel district of Manipur on June 4, the minister said, “Out troops had completely destroyed two rebel camps in Myanmar and returned safely. We suffered no casualties in this operation."
“The operation was carried out by the Special Forces entirely on their own,” he added.
Replying to a question whether Indian Army's operation had the support of the Myanmar govt and its Army, Rathore said, "Myanmar is a friendly nation and therefore there was complete cooperation".
Issuing a stern warning to India's hostile neighbouring nations, the minister stated that “the operations were a message to all such neighbours who harbour terror intentions that friendship and zero tolerance will go hand in hand.”
The minister also lauded the Army, Air Force for the well coordinated and surgically executed operation in Myanmar in which at least 20 terrorists were reportedly killed, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking such a “bold step".
The reactions from the MoS, I&B came hours after the Indian Army on early Tuesday launched a massive operation along the India-Myanmar border killing several militants involved in the Manipur attack.
The operations were carried out in coordination with Myanmar following specific intelligence inputs of more attacks being planned, according to Additional Director General (Military Operations) Major Gen. Ranbir Singh.
"Credible and specific intelligence was received about further attacks that were being planned out by some of the groups involved in earlier attacks on our security personnel and their allies," he said, adding that in view of the "imminent threat, an immediate response was necessary".
In the worst attack it faced in three decades, the army lost 18 soldiers in the attack in Chandel district of Manipur on June 4.
Militants attacked a convoy of 6 Dogra, which was being de-inducted from the area, with rocket-propelled grenades and improvised explosive devices.
The attack was seen as a major intelligence failure and the advanced weapons used also raised suspicion of international involvement.
