'Avoid Mistakes That Hurt Citizens': Rajnath Singh To Army Personnel Amid Row Over J-K Civilian Deaths

Poonch Terror Attack: During his address to troops in Jammu & Kashmir's Rajouri district, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said he has "full faith" that the Indian Army will succeed in wiping out terrorism from the union territory, but at the same time asked Army personnel to avoid "mistakes that hurt the citizens of the country".

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He further said that the Army needs to "win the hearts of the citizen" at the same time as ensuring the protection of the nation. "The Indian Army is not considered an ordinary force in the world. The people accept that the Army is much more powerful than ever and also well-equipped compared to the past. You are the guardians of the nation but alongside protecting the country, you need to win the hearts of the citizens. It is a big responsibility on your shoulders," the minister was quoted as saying news agency PTI.

#WATCH | Rajouri: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "I would pray for the speedy recovery of the army personnel who sustained injuries. I would like to ensure you that keeping in mind the severity of the incident, required steps are being taken. Each of our army personnel is… pic.twitter.com/x4S8ui15sf

— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023

Notably, this comes amid the controversy the Indian Army finds itself embroiled in following allegations that three civilians were killed in its custody. The Defence Minister arrived in J&K earlier today to review security situation in wake of the December 21 ambush by terrorists that claimed the lives of four Army personnel in Poonch. The three men, who were allegedly picked up by Army personnel for questioning following the Poonch attack, were found dead near the site of an ongoing anti-terror operation.

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"I believe in your bravery and steadfastness … Terrorism should be finished from Jammu and Kashmir and you need to move forward with this commitment. I have full faith that you will achieve victory," Singh told Army personnel during his address in Rajouri. "Such incidents (ambush) cannot be taken for granted. I know you are alert to the situation but feel more alertness is required. I want to assure you that the government stands with you and your welfare is our top priority," he added. 

(With inputs from agencies)