Jammu:Stating that during the Covid pandemic entire world faced downfall but Prime Minister Narendra Modi very well handled the situation in the country, Union Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt here on Friday said that ration stores are full enough to feed people of the country for one year even in the crisis.
Bhatt after laying a wreath at Balidan Stambh here, speaking to reporters said, “during the Covid time, the world saw a downfall but our PM handled the situation. And, at a time when the economical graph of many countries took nosedive, India was listed at fifth place and globally became economic power.”
On the ration situation, he said, “our stores are full and if we have no ration for one year, still can feed our people like we are doing at present.”
Without naming Pakistan, he said, “in neighbouring countries, people are fighting for ration, but see the management of our PM that even during three Covid waves, we gave free ration to crores of people in each wave.”
On a question about the people of Pakistan have praised India, the Minister said, “Pakistan definitely will praise us. We do not think bad for others but, external forces either tried to capture our boundaries or disrupt peace. We never wanted or started the war but if anybody does, our forces gave befitting replies and Uri or Gawlan are examples of it.”
He also said that whether in water, air or land, the Indian Army is very strong and bravely fighting every situation.
On the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, “the security situation is well in place. Our forces, para-military or army, are working with synergy. To secure our people is our duty.”
“We never wanted war. We gave Budh (Lord Buddha), which means peace and not the Yudh (war) to the world,” he expressed.
He said that with the cooperation and valour of the people, peace is restored in Jammu and Kashmir due to which the number of tourists also increased in the last couple of years.
Bhatt further said that the Army is given free hand to take any right decision whenever and wherever they want to, adding, “our commanders are taking all measures and decisions keeping ifs and buts in mind.”
Earlier the Union Minister was received by Maj Gen Gaurav Gautam, GOC Tiger Division at Balidan Stambh.
He paid tributes to the Bravehearts in a ceremonial wreath-laying ceremony at Balidan Stambh.
The Minister was briefed on the operational preparedness of the Tiger Division.
Later he interacted with the troops of the Tiger Division and lauded their morale for maintaining highest standards of professionalism and dedication towards duty while safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Nation.
