Although India wants peace, it cannot come without power, and even though non-violence is “our ultimate duty”, it is equally important to protect the nation's integrity, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday.
Addressing the armed forces on the eve of Independence Day, Singh said, “Indian civilisation has always been peaceful but peace is not possible without power…(and) if non-violence is our ultimate duty, protecting the integrity of the nation is equally important.”
“Therefore, we are ready to sacrifice anything for the unity and integrity of the nation,” he said.
He told the forces that in order to maintain peace and prosperity in the country, it is “necessary that you should be alert and aware in protecting the nation wherever you are — in water, land, sky”. The “grateful nation always appreciates your great deeds…” he added.
On the challenges on the Pakistan and China borders, and LoC and LAC, Singh pointed out the reaffirmation of ceasefire between Indian and Pakistani armies in February. He said that the “situation along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir remained under control in the last one year due to our vigilance and indomitable valour”, and “ceasefire violations have also come down since February 2021”. He also said infiltration from across the border has stopped.
Talking about eastern Ladakh, where India and China are entangled in a military standoff since May 2020, Singh said, “Efforts are being made to…
