Full text of Defense Minister’s statement in Rajya Sabha on killing of five Indian soldiers

New Delhi, 7 August 2013

When India’s five soldiers were killed yesterday on Kashmir in an attack from across the border, following was the statement and remarks delivered in Rajya Sabha by Indian Defense minister AK Antony. It’s in full text for assessment.

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AK Antony: Sir, a patrol of Indian Army, comprising one Non-Commissioned Officer and five other ranks, was ambushed on our side of Line of Control in the Punch sector of Jammu and Kashmir early morning on August 6, 2013. In the ensuing firefight, five Indian soldiers were martyred and one soldier was injured. The ambush was carried out by approximately 20 heavily armed terrorists along with persons dressed in Pakistani Army uniforms.

The number of infiltration attempts has doubled this year in comparison to the corresponding period(1st January to 5th August) of 2012. There have also been 57 ceasefire violations this year which is 80 per cent more than the violations last year during the same corresponding period. The Indian Army, successfully, eliminated 19 hardcore terrorists in the recent months of July and august along the line of control and in the hinterland of Jammu and Kashmir. The effective counter infiltration grid on the line of control has ensured that 17 infiltration bids were foiled this year.

We, strongly, condemn this unprovoked incident. The Government of India has lodged strong protest with the Government of Pakistan through diplomatic channels. I assure the House that our Army is fully ready to take all necessary steps to uphold the sanctity of LoC. The Government of India conveys its condolences to the families of the martyrs who made the Supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

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After the discussion on Defense Minister’s statement, participated by Leader of opposition Shri Arun Jaitley and others, following was the reply by Defense Minister(full text):

AK Antony: I assure you that we would respect the sentiment of the House. The sentiment of this House means the sentiment of the entire nation. In a democracy, whichever government it may be, it has to respect the sentiment of the nation. So, so far as that part is concerned, I can assure you.

I am also thankful to all the hon. members for categorically expressing their solidarity with our patriotic Armed Forces. I will also convey your condolences to the members of the bereaved families.

Sir, I feel that my statement on the tragic incident invokes a proper response from the Government, a responsible Government, at the present juncture. The incident took place early in the morning. At this stage, we don’t want to jump to any conclusions. My statement is on the basis of confirmed reports that I got till the time I made the statement. India is a responsible country and that is why our Government has made such a statement. So, so far, I can only say that there were 20 heavily-armed terrorists, along with persons dressed in Pakistan Army uniform. That is the confirmation I have got so far, and that is why I have made this statement. On the one hand, I am happy. The whole national knew what was happening in this House and that House for the last two days. But look at things now. There is pindrop silence in the House, and everybody is unanimous, speaking in one voice. This is the beauty of Indian democracy. We may differ on issues, sometimes crossing the Lakshman rekha, but when it is the issue of national security, when it is the question of the nation, this House is one; we rise as one nation. India will rise together as one. That is more than anything. That is the strongest answer to our enemy, according to me. On both our borders there are problems, but we have been strengthening our capability, continuously. Our Armed Forces are on vigil 24X7. At times, the sacrifice their precious lives to protect the nation’s sovereignty and security, to protect every inch of our soil. The morale of our Armed Forces is very high. Even today, I spoke to the Army Chief. They are confident of handling the situation appropriately.

This is not the time to score political points. After this is over, there will be other occasions. Those occasions will come.

Sir, many hon. members asked about the response of the Government to Pakistan on this incident. The External Affairs Minister is not here. He told me when a proper occasion arose, he would elaborately explain the response. But, at the same time, I can tell the House, in short, that our response to Pakistan depends on the signals coming from Pakistan.

The way they address our concerns, including Mumbai as also the continuing infiltration along the borders and other things, the Government of India’s measures and response would always be on the basis of signals and actions from the Pakistan side. Beyond this, I don’t want to say anything.

Further, I am thankful to the House for making many suggestions. At this stage, I don’t want to go into the details of the incidence. But, I can assure you that even at the extent of sacrificing the personnel, our armed forces would do everything possible to protect our national security and protect the sanctity of LoC. Thank you very much, Sir.