New Delhi: In a pep talk, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday made it clear to the armed forces personnel that the nation respects martyrs but it needs them to stay alive and fight the enemy.
Speaking at the 66th Army Day celebrations in Delhi, Parrikar said that every single soldier's death pains him a lot.
“I get pained when my soldiers die,” the minister said.
He, however, stated, “Sacrifice is always respected, but nation needs you to neutralise the enemy.”
“If those who damage you don't realise the pain they inflict, then they won't change,” Parrikar added.
"This is my opinion and not of the state... Anyone who harms you, he understands the same language. How, when and place should be of your choice, but if someone is harming this country I think that particular individual or organisation, I am saying individual or organisation on purpose should also receive the pain of such activity. Unless such pain is transmitted, he will enjoy giving pain to us," he said.
Respecting the valour of the martyred soldiers, the Defence Minister said that he was deeply pained when a soldier lost his life.
" We are proud of (our) seven soldiers. But I get pained when my soldiers die. I don't appreciate it. When our soldiers die, I always tell them that you think of concept of taking life of your enemy or enemy of the country instead of giving your life.
" Sacrifice is always respected, beyond doubt. But nation needs you to neutralise the enemy and that is what should be the target," he added.
The Defence Minister also lauded the armed forces role in the recent Chennai Floods, calling it 'par excellence'.
"With all difficulties, they (armed forces) reached there (Chennai). I know because I was monitoring it from Zero Hour. It was a fantastic performance done against all odds but didn't get focused to the level it should have," he added.
Seven security forces personnel had lost their lives recently while defending the Pathankot Air Force base from terrorists. Six ultras were killed in the counter-operation.
