Has the Union minister forgotten the valiant history of Indian Army while reverting to Rahul Gandhi’s question on China intrusion?
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in
Union minister Anurag Thakur on Saturday lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on China and the Army.
Thakur who was in Patiala on Saturday to inaugurate a new 300 bedded Hostel at Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) said “ it’s not 1962’s India, its 2022 India, it’s Army knows how to revert back the enemies attack.’
This statement of Anurag Thakur has indirectly raised finger on the capability of Indian defence forces which had gallantly fought the 1962 war along with 1947-48 Indo –Pakistan or the First Kashmir War immediately after the Indian independence, 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan. Everyone knows the outcome of 1962 war but the same army had made the history when 93000 of Pakistani forces surrendered before the Indian army in 1971 war.
All these wars 1947-48, 1962, 1965 and 1971 were fought during the congress regime but the Indian army, navy, air force fought these battles with courage and selfless devotion to duty.
Has the Union minister forgotten the valiant history of Indian Army while reverting to Rahul Gandhi’s question on China intrusion?. Political observer Gurpreet Singh said “ these kinds of statement by minister is going to rub salt on the wounds of Indian defence forces who fought 1962 battle with bravery. Not only 1962 war but 1947-48, 1965,1971,1999 wars were fought with full valour. From the day one after the independence till today, Indian Army is one amongst the best in the world. From time to time Indian army is reminding its enemies, be it China or Pakistan that they are ready to take on them at any point of time. Political parties must not bring the Indian defence forces in between their political fights.”
“It’s not 1962’s India, its 2022 India, it’s Army knows how to revert back the enemies attack. what does it means? added Gurpreet Singh.” does the Indian army was not capable in 1962 war and now in 2022 Indian Army became capable, just because of the change of political party in the country.
The minister’s statement comes at a time when Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the government of downplaying the threat posed by China, “China is preparing for war, not for an incursion. See their pattern of weapons. They are preparing for war. Our government is not accepting it. The government of India is working on events, not on strategy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration was “sleeping”, days after a clash between troops of the two countries along the border in Arunachal Pradesh.
Earlier, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur on Saturday visited Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) in Patiala and inaugurated a new 300 bedded Hostel which has cost Rs. 26.77 Cr in construction.
The ministers also inaugurated hostels dedicated to India’s legendary hockey player Major Dhyanchand and sprinter PT Usha, which have been renovated and upgraded at a total cost of 5.25 crore.
Speaking during the inauguration Thakur said, “It is the endeavour of the government to provide the best possible facilities to athletes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always harped on the importance of keeping athletes at the centre of all policies. The launching of this 300 bedded hostel and the upgradation of the old hostels is yet another step in this direction so that athletes training at this prestigious centre have improved lodging facilities.”
Thakur also inaugurated a Sports Performance Analysis course, a first-time addition to the academic courses at NSNIS Patiala. While interacting with the first batch of students of this course, Thakur said, “Inclusion of sports science and sports performance analysis is very important to assess the actual potential of an athlete, which can go a long way in improving the overall performance of India in international competitions.”
In the year 2021, SAI Patiala athletes won a total of 72 medals across six disciplines at National Level Competitions. In the year 2022, this tally increased to 195 medals.
On the International level, SAI Patiala athletes won 19 medals in competitions such as Commonwealth Championships, European Open & Junior World Championships among others.
December 18,2022
