Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Jammu and Kashmir to address protests following the killing of three civilians detained by the Army for questioning. Singh also met other persons allegedly injured during military custody amid tensions arising from the ambush on two Army vehicles in Poonch district, resulting in the death of four soldiers. Eight civilians were detained in connection with the incident.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with the families of those killed in Jammu and Kashmir and emphasized the need for caution in dealing with civilians. He stated that the Army cannot afford to “make any mistake” that harms an Indian citizen
While addressing the media, Singh said, “I had come to see them. Whatever has happened has happened. But justice will be done.”
The visit coincides with a high-level inquiry conducted by the Indian Army, under the Ministry of Defence, into a series of events involving a militant attack on army vehicles and the death of three local men allegedly detained by the army for questioning.
During his review of security in Rajouri, Singh said, “Every soldier is very important to us. I believe that each of our soldiers is like a member of the family; this feeling resides within all of us. We cannot tolerate anyone looking down on our soldiers and countrymen.”
“We have to win battles… eliminate terrorists… but a bigger objective is to win the hearts of the people. We will win wars but we need to win hearts too. And I know you try your best…,” he said.
